Rivian Owners Get the Ultimate Digital Key: Phone Wallet Integration & UWB Magic!

TL;DR: Rivian's latest OTA update brings full UWB-powered Digital Key support to Gen 2 R1T and R1S, integrating natively with smartphone wallets and offering seamless unlocking, driving, and sharing.

Meta: Rivian introduces advanced UWB-powered Digital Key functionality for its Gen 2 R1T and R1S, enhancing convenience and security.

Alright, Rivian owners, listen up! You know that feeling when you're fumbling for your keys, pockets all tangled up, looking like you're trying to win a claw machine game just to open your own car? Well, Rivian just dropped an OTA update that's gonna make you feel like you're living in the future. They're bringing full Digital Key support to the Gen 2 R1T and R1S, and it's smoother than a jazz saxophone solo. No more app-fumbling; your phone is the key, baby!

Your Phone, Your Rivian's Best Friend

With this 2025.46 update, your Rivian key isn't just an app icon; it's living natively in your Apple, Google, or Samsung phone wallet. That's right, it's chilling with your credit cards and concert tickets, ready to roll. Thanks to the Ultra-Wideband (UWB) modules in Gen 2 hardware, your truck or SUV will know exactly where your phone is. You just walk up, and poof, it unlocks. No pressing buttons, no awkward key dances. It's like your Rivian is saying, 'Welcome home, fam!'

And get this: if your phone battery dies – because, let's be real, whose doesn't? – NFC support means you can still unlock and start your Rivian. On some phones, this 'Power Reserve' can last up to five hours. So, even if you spent all day doomscrolling and killed your battery, you ain't walking home. Rivian's got your back. They're thinking of everything, even your bad habits!

Watch Out, Keys! Digital Sharing Is Here

This update ain't just for phones either. Got an Apple Watch or a compatible Android smartwatch? Leave your phone at home and still unlock, lock, and drive your Rivian. Imagine jogging, hiking, or hitting the beach, completely hands-free, and still having full access to your ride. That's freedom, baby!

And sharing? Oh, it's easier than sharing a meme. You can send a secure digital car key to a friend with a text message. No apps, no complicated setup. They just get the key, walk up, unlock, and drive. Plus, Rivian doubled the number of supported digital keys per vehicle, from four to eight. So if you got a big family, a carpool crew, or just a lot of friends who wanna borrow your awesome EV, you're all set. Only Gen 2 R1T and R1S owners are getting this UWB goodness at launch, so if you're rocking an older model, well, you know what to do next time you upgrade!

What's Next

This UWB digital key implementation positions Rivian as a leader in vehicle access technology, enhancing user experience and security. Expect more seamless integrations and features built around this robust platform in future updates. This kind of convenience is what EV buyers expect, and Rivian is delivering. It's a clear signal that they're not just building trucks and SUVs; they're building a connected, intuitive lifestyle around them.

So go ahead, toss those old clunky fobs in the junk drawer. Your phone's got the power now. And remember, with great power comes great responsibility... to show off your cool new Rivian! You dig?