Rivian has taken a significant step forward in enhancing the user experience for its R1T and R1S owners with the release of the highly anticipated Rivian Apple Watch companion app. Launched on February 19, 2026, alongside the new Autonomy+ subscription service, this update marks a pivotal moment in the convergence of wearable technology and automotive control.
The latest version 3.9.0 of the Rivian mobile app brings a seamless integration between the Apple Watch and the Rivian vehicles, allowing for a more convenient and intuitive way to interact with the vehicle. With just a tap on the watch, drivers can now lock and unlock doors, vent windows, trigger the alarm, adjust cabin temperatures, and even change the battery’s target state of charge using the Digital Crown. The app also allows users to customize their watch face with up to four “quick controls” for easy access to frequently used features like opening the front trunk (frunk) or checking the Gear Guard camera status.
For owners of first-generation Rivian vehicles (2021-2024), the new Apple Watch app brings a game-changing feature by enabling proximity-based entry for the first time. While these older models do not support the passive Digital Key feature in the Apple Wallet, the watch app allows Gen 1 owners to use their watch as a key as long as the app is open on the watch. On the other hand, Gen 2 owners enjoy a more seamless experience with the watch acting as a passive key that automatically unlocks the vehicle upon approach.
In addition to the Apple Watch app, Rivian is also introducing its Autonomy+ subscription service, a premium driver-assistance tier that offers Universal Hands-Free driving on over 3.5 million miles of mapped roads in Canada and the US. Priced at $49.99 per month or a one-time $2,500 purchase, subscribers can access features like Lane Change on Command and a Spicy driving mode for enhanced highway performance.
The 2026.03 software update also includes a new cold-weather range monitor to help drivers in Canada cope with winter conditions. This tool provides real-time insights into how low temperatures are affecting the battery, showing the impact of cabin heating and battery preconditioning on the range. Additionally, the app features the iconic “Gear Guard Yeti” on the watch screen, maintaining the cohesive Rivian brand experience across all devices.
Rivian has indicated that the Apple Watch integration is just the beginning, with plans to introduce more features in the future, including Kneel Mode controls and deeper integration with the Apple Health app to monitor driver alertness. As the boundaries between technology and automotive industry continue to blur, Rivian’s innovative approach sets a new standard for user convenience and vehicle control. As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, countries are racing to vaccinate their populations in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. The development and distribution of vaccines have been a crucial part of the global response to the pandemic, with several vaccines now available for use.
One of the most widely used vaccines is the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which was one of the first vaccines to receive emergency use authorization from regulatory bodies around the world. The vaccine, which is based on messenger RNA (mRNA) technology, has been shown to be highly effective in preventing COVID-19 infection and reducing the severity of the disease.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine works by delivering a small piece of genetic material from the virus into the body, which then triggers an immune response. This immune response helps the body recognize and fight off the virus if it is encountered in the future. The vaccine requires two doses, administered a few weeks apart, to achieve maximum efficacy.
Since its approval, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been rolled out in countries around the world, with millions of doses administered to date. The vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials, with side effects generally mild and temporary. Common side effects include soreness at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and fever.
Despite the success of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to vaccines for all populations. Distribution and logistics issues have made it difficult for some countries to acquire and administer vaccines in a timely manner. Additionally, vaccine hesitancy and misinformation have posed obstacles to widespread vaccination efforts.
As the global vaccination campaign continues, it is crucial for governments, healthcare providers, and the public to work together to ensure that vaccines are accessible to all who need them. Vaccination remains one of the most effective tools we have in the fight against COVID-19, and widespread immunization is key to ending the pandemic and returning to a sense of normalcy.