Rivian owners, your phone is finally becoming a proper key. The companys software chief, Wassym Bensaid, has confirmed that the upcoming .46 update will officially turn on Digital Key support for second-generation R1S and R1T vehicles. This isnt just an app update; it introduces native keys that live right inside your Apple Wallet on your iPhone and Apple Watch.

The best part? It uses both Ultra Wideband (UWB) for precise, hands-free unlocking and NFC. That NFC bit is huge because it supports Apples Power Reserve feature meaning you can still tap your phone to unlock your truck for up to five hours after your battery dies.

Recommended Videos Rivian is also bumping the limit from four to eight digital keys per vehicle, so the whole family can have access. And its not just for Apple users; full compatibility is coming for Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet, too.

Why This Matters

This move to true Digital Key support bridges that gap. It finally aligns Rivian with the industry gold standards specifically leveraging Apples CarKey framework and actually utilizes the upgraded hardware built into the Gen 2 platform.

Why You Should Care

Ideally, this just makes life easier and less stressful. You can genuinely leave the bulky key fob at home without worrying about being stranded if your phone battery hits 0%.

It adds a layer of safety and redundancy that wasnt there before. Plus, being able to share access instantly via text message is a game-changer. If a friend needs to borrow the truck or grab something from the trunk, you can send them a key in seconds without needing a physical handoff.

Whats Next

Look for the .46 OTA update to hit vehicles later this month. While Gen 2 owners get the full package immediately, Gen 1 owners might be out of luck for the full experience since they lack the newer UWB hardware.

Rivian says this is just the start for the Gen 2 platform, signaling a broader push to make the car feel more like a piece of high-tech software and less like a traditional vehicle.