Rivian to Introduce Apple Car Key for R1T and R1S Soon

Apple Car Key: From Concept to Reality

For years, people have relied on their smartphones for nearly everything—social connections, payments, and even identification. Now, cars are the next frontier. Apple first introduced Car Key in 2020, a feature that lets an iPhone or Apple Watch replace a physical car key. Adoption has been slow across automakers, but interest among iPhone users has remained strong.

Recent reports suggest Rivian is finally preparing to join the list of automakers bringing Car Key to their vehicles.

Evidence Found in Apple Wallet

According to MacRumors, configuration files were recently discovered inside the Apple Wallet app that point directly to Rivian support. Apple Wallet is where users already store credit cards, IDs, and other sensitive information protected by Apple’s Secure Enclave cryptoprocessor.

Rivian reportedly confirmed that Apple has already activated the feature on its side. However, Rivian itself has not yet finalized the rollout, meaning the infrastructure is ready but not yet live for vehicle owners. Rivian told MacRumors that the feature is “coming soon.”

Rivian’s Next-Generation Digital Key

Rivian’s software chief, Wassym Bensaid, recently stated that a “next-generation digital key” will be released through an upcoming over-the-air (OTA) update. The new system will work with both Apple Wallet and Android wallet apps.

Importantly, the feature will only be available on second-generation R1T and R1S models. Owners of first-generation Rivian vehicles won’t get Apple Car Key support right away. Still, those vehicles already use Rivian’s own Phone as a Key feature, which covers most of the same functions.

What Apple Car Key Can Do

Apple Car Key uses an iPhone or Apple Watch’s NFC radio to securely communicate with a supported vehicle. The experience works much like a traditional key fob:

• Lock and unlock doors by holding the device near the car.

• Start the vehicle when inside.

• Remote functions when in range of the car.

Apple also offers Express Mode, which allows the iPhone to act as a key without needing to unlock the device. This means you can keep your phone in your pocket or bag and still access your car.

Automakers can customize which Car Key functions they support, making the feature flexible across brands.

Other Automakers Already On Board

Car Key is already live with select vehicles from Audi, BMW, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Lotus, Mini, Mercedes-Benz, Polestar, Ram, and Volvo. Apple has also announced that Acura, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Lucid, Porsche, and Smart are set to adopt the feature soon.

With Rivian’s upcoming addition, Apple now counts 33 automakers worldwide that either already support or have committed to supporting Car Key.

What It Means for Rivian Owners

While no firm launch date has been announced, Rivian owners can expect Car Key support very soon. For now, it looks like only Gen 2 R1T and R1S owners will benefit immediately, leaving early adopters waiting.

Still, the move signals Rivian’s focus on digital-first convenience features and closer integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Many owners are also hopeful that Rivian’s upcoming R2 lineup will include Car Key support right out of the box.

The Road Ahead

Digital wallets are becoming central to everyday life—housing payments, IDs, and soon, car keys. Rivian’s rollout of Apple Car Key represents another step toward a world where smartphones replace physical items we once carried everywhere.

With Apple and Rivian working together, R1T and R1S drivers will soon unlock, start, and manage their vehicles with just their iPhone or Apple Watch.

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