Learn extra at:
Just lately, a Bloomberg report shocked Tesla drivers by revealing that the corporate is working on an initiative to add CarPlay support to its vehicles. Whereas this has been a long-awaited characteristic by many customers, the carmaker was all the time towards it as a result of improvement of its personal software program, which provides Tesla higher management of its ecosystem.
Whereas most carmakers are keen to help CarPlay and Android Auto as a result of their reputation, one buzzy newcomer adopted Tesla’s lead. Rivian, which additionally has loads of drivers begging for CarPlay, can be towards placing Apple’s infotainment platform in its automobiles. That mentioned, the corporate clearly is not ruling out the concept of working with Apple altogether.
Whereas Rivian already affords Apple Music with a Join+ subscription, its software program chief Wassym Bensaid announced that the second era of Rivian automobiles will get native help for digital automobile keys on Apple, Google, and Samsung Wallets with the .46 OTA replace later this month. For iPhone customers, because of this in the event that they personal a Gen 2 Rivian, they may have the ability to unlock their automobile just by approaching it.
CarPlay continues to be a protracted shot for Rivian
In keeping with Bensaid, Gen 2 Rivian homeowners could have access to everything the iPhone’s digital car key functionality offers, together with UWB help for prime precision, native watch help, and the flexibility to unlock the automobile by way of NFC even when the cellphone battery dies. Seeing Rivian announce this characteristic, which is one thing even Tesla would not have, would possibly ignite a spark of hope that Rivian may additionally begin engaged on CarPlay help in the future, like Tesla.
Whereas hardcore customers could be hoping that these firms finally add CarPlay Ultra integration, Tesla is reportedly engaged on a show window “inside its broader interface.” That is not fairly the CarPlay help that many drivers have been clamoring for, but it surely ought to be sufficient to convey a extra acquainted expertise to Tesla automobiles for iPhone homeowners.
With Apple including so many new options to CarPlay over the previous few months — especially with the release of iOS 26 — drivers will get a extra dependable expertise whereas staying linked to their household and buddies by way of Apple Maps, iMessage, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and extra. We are going to let you already know as we study extra about these upcoming options.

