Apple is rolling out its digital Car Key feature to the much-anticipated Rivian R1S and R1T vehicles, signaling the first activation of Wallet-based car key support for any of the 13 newly announced vehicle brands. While Apple has already enabled the feature on its end, Rivian is finalizing its own implementation, hinting at a launch that’s just days away. The integration allows iPhones and Apple Watches to unlock and start these electric vehicles via NFC or Ultra-Wideband technologies—offering a seamless alternative to traditional keys. Sources confirm Apple’s expansion plan across multiple brands and emphasize the convenience of Express Mode, which keeps car key access functional even if the device is out of battery.
Key Takeaways
– Apple Wallet’s Car Key capability is poised to go live soon for Rivian’s Gen‑2 R1S and R1T, following Apple’s activation and pending Rivian’s rollout.
– The feature exemplifies Apple’s broader expansion, as Wallet will support Car Keys across 13 new automaker brands—bringing total compatibility to 33 makes.
– Advanced functions like Express Mode and sharing via iPhone or Apple Watch emphasize convenience, security, and seamless access without traditional key reliance.
In-Depth
Apple’s recent activation of digital Car Key support for Rivian’s second-generation R1S and R1T marks a bold step toward reshaping how we access and secure our cars. As of now, Apple has turned on the feature within its infrastructure, with Rivian reportedly completing its own integration on the manufacturer side. This dual-side readiness indicates an imminent launch—potentially within days—for Rivian owners to ditch physical keys and rely solely on their Apple devices.
This development is just the kickoff to a larger expansion that Apple unveiled earlier. At WWDC, the company announced its Wallet app will soon support Car Keys for 13 additional vehicle brands—including heavyweights like Chevrolet, Cadillac, Porsche, Lucid, and more—bringing the total number of brands to 33. Although Apple hasn’t confirmed exact timelines for each, the Rivian debut signals that broader availability may follow before the year’s end.
The Car Key feature offers more than just novelty—it combines convenience with functionality. Features like passive entry (automatically unlocking when approaching the car), proximity-based entry (unlocking when holding the device near the door), remote unlocking, and Express Mode—which allows key functions even when the device is out of battery—make everyday use smoother and more reliable. Additionally, users can share digital car keys securely with others, adding flexibility for families or co-drivers.
For Rivian owners, particularly those invested in the most advanced Gen-2 models, the Wallet Car Key integration underscores a commitment to modern, software-driven user experiences. As Apple scales this across more brands, we’re witnessing a real shift toward digitally native vehicle access—an evolution that blends convenience, security, and futurism, while gradually rendering traditional keys obsolete.