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New Software: More Power, More Utility

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New Software: More Power, More Utility

Our latest software update is designed to ensure your vehicle continues to evolve long after it leaves the factory. We’re unlocking expanded capabilities for Gen 1 Quad-Motor and both generations of Dual-Motor Performance owners—bringing more power and agility to the hardware you already love.

But more than raw performance, we’ve fine-tuned details of your daily drive. From a dedicated Apple Watch app to more intuitive ways to interact with Kneel Mode and driver assistance features, we’ve refined your vehicle software to be more flexible, more accessible, and more personal to how you move.

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A new, dedicated Apple Watch app for all vehicles

A new way to connect with your Rivian is here. This update includes an all-new companion app for your Apple Watch, giving you control of your vehicle right from your wrist. Now you can access essential features from your Apple Watch, making it possible to leave your iPhone behind on your next adventure.

Read more here in this dedicated post.

A blue Rivian SUV drives on a road. The background shows rolling hills under a clear sky. Panning motion blur suggests speed.

A higher ride option in Sport Mode, and expanded capabilities for Gen 1 Quad-Motor and Gen 1 and 2 Dual-Motor variants.

We’re also adding more flexibility to how you ride in Sport Mode: all compatible Gen 1 and 2 vehicles can now adjust the Ride Height to “Standard” when Sport Mode is active. We made this change in response to feedback from drivers who enjoy the responsiveness of Sport Mode but prefer the look and feel of a higher ride.

This update expands Sport Mode availability across our base Dual-Motor lineups. For Gen 1 owners with NMC battery configurations, this unlocks optimized power delivery and quicker acceleration. For Gen 2 owners, this brings the same high-performance calibration to the Dual Standard (LFP) configuration. Our engineering teams tailored the logic for each specific battery chemistry to ensure a sharper throttle and a stiffer, more responsive ride across both generations.

Gen 1 Quad-Motor and both generations of Dual-Motor Performance vehicles are gaining joy-inducing speed with Launch Mode,1 giving more of our drivers the ability to experience this exhilarating feature. To activate it, select Sport Mode, press the flag icon, then hold the brake and the accelerator simultaneously. To launch responsibly, make sure you’re on a clear, flat surface and check vehicle surroundings beforehand.

Finger touches a Rivian touchscreen to select drive modes. A cartoon image of the truck appears on screen. Text: "All-Purpose", "Snow", "Rally", "All 

We’re adding more flexibility to your Gen 1 Driver+ and Gen 2 Autonomy+ experiences.

Now, when certain Gen 1 Driver+ and Gen 2 Autonomy+ features are engaged, you’re able to adjust specific Drive Modes (e.g. switching from All-Purpose to Conserve) and settings (e.g. Ride Height and Ride Comfort). With this change, driver assistance features Highway Assist and Universal Hands-Free2 will remain engaged while adjusting your ride for greater comfort or efficiency.

Car display shows vehicle height adjustment. The left screen shows a top-down view of a pickup truck, with a button showing a truck icon. A speech bub

More ways to kneel

The option to lower ride height is essential in a vehicle like R1, which has high ground clearance for off-road capability, therein leading to a high seat position. That’s why we've heard feedback that many of our customers from all walks of life find Kneel Mode useful for entering and exiting their vehicle.

For more ease, we’ve added a “Lower” setting to all vehicles (in addition to “Low”), which lowers your vehicle by about one extra inch on average, depending on your variant and tires. This update also brings you more flexibility than ever in how you can enable Kneel Mode: activate it from all on-road Drive Modes, directly from “High” ride height, and on uneven surfaces.

Car dashboard screen displays software with a blue monster avatar and a green progress bar. A blue circle with a thermometer icon is also displayed.

Cold weather improvements

Our latest update (2026.03) brings more transparency to how winter affects your range. We've introduced a cold weather indicator to the battery icon on the display and Energy App visualizations to show you exactly how much energy is being used to keep your battery warm. You’ll now see a blue shading graphic on the Driver Display and in the mobile app, letting you know if some range is temporarily unavailable until the pack reaches its optimal operating temperature.

Read more here about cold weather and your Rivian.

For more information about this software update, refer to the release notes below.

R1S Gen 2

R1T Gen 2

R1S Gen 1

R1T Gen 1

Woman rock climbs a large boulder, wearing a smartwatch. The rock is grey with patches of green moss. Her blonde hair is in braids.
Footnote 11

Launch mode is designed for use on a closed circuit track in dry road conditions. Do not use Launch mode on public roadways where traffic or pedestrians are present. It is the driver’s responsibility to drive safely and pay attention to the road. Rivian does not endorse reckless or dangerous driving. Drive with caution.

Footnote 22

Driver assistance features, including Autonomy+, are designed to support the driver but do not replace a driver’s judgment or the need to pay attention and control the vehicle. Drivers should be prepared to resume control at all times, and hands should remain on the steering wheel. Some driver assistance features can only be used once Highway Assist is engaged. See Rivian Owner’s Guide for details and limitations.

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