Apple Wallet car key support is coming to Rivian's second-generation R1S and R1T electric vehicles with a 2025.46 software update later this month, according to the company's software chief Wassym Bensaid. He did not provide a specific date.
This feature will allow you to remotely unlock, lock, and start a second-generation R1S or R1T with an iPhone or Apple Watch, without needing to use the Rivian app. Express Mode will be supported, meaning you can keep your iPhone in your pocket as you approach the vehicle, as unlocking the device with Face ID is not required.
Rivian is implementing a newer version of the feature with Ultra Wideband technology for passive entry, eliminating the need to place your iPhone near an NFC reader.
If your iPhone battery runs out, a Power Reserve feature ensures the Apple Wallet key can still be used for up to five hours after the device shut off.
You can share an Apple Wallet car key with up to eight family and friends via AirDrop or any messaging app, such as the Messages app or WhatsApp.
Apple Wallet car keys will not be supported in Rivian's first-generation R1S and R1T vehicles that were built through the 2024 model year.
Apple is planning to debut a high-end secondary version of AirPods Pro 3 this year, sitting in the lineup alongside the current model, reports suggest.
Back in September 2025, supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that Apple is planning to introduce a successor to the AirPods Pro 3 in 2026. This would be somewhat unusual since Apple normally waits around three years to make major...
Sunday January 18, 2026 3:51 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
iOS 27 is still many months away, but there are already plenty of rumors about new features that will be included in the software update.
The first beta of iOS 27 will be released during WWDC 2026 in June, and the update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in September.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said that iOS 27 will be similar to Mac OS X Snow Leopard, in the sense...
Tuesday January 20, 2026 2:34 am PST by Tim Hardwick
Over the last few months, rumors around the iPhone 18 Pro's front-panel design have been conflicted, with some supply-chain leaks pointing to under-display Face ID, reports suggesting a top-left hole-punch camera, and debate over whether the familiar Dynamic Island will shrink, shift, or disappear entirely.
Today, Weibo-based leaker Instant Digital shared new details that appear to clarify the ...
Sunday January 18, 2026 6:50 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
MacBook Pro availability is tightening on Apple's online store, with select configurations facing up to a two-month delivery timeframe in the United States.
A few 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro configurations with an M4 Pro chip are not facing any shipping delay, but estimated delivery dates for many configurations with an M4 Max chip range from February 6 to February 24 or even later. At...
Thursday January 15, 2026 10:56 am PST by Joe Rossignol
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are not expected to launch for another eight months, there are already plenty of rumors about the devices.
Below, we have recapped 12 features rumored for the iPhone 18 Pro models, as of January 2026:
The same overall design is expected, with 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch display sizes, and a "plateau" housing three rear cameras
Under-screen Face ID...
Well you need an internet connection to stream the music don't you? That's what connect+ is..... In order to use Apple music on your phone when away from your house wi-fi, don't you pay a mobile provider for data? This is no different
But if he's already paying his provider for that in the form of unlimited (or limited) data, why would he need to pay the car maker on top of that? :)
In summary, in order to be able to use my Apple Music subscription, for which I am already paying, I need to pay them $15 a month. No wonder they do not want me to have CarPlay. Currently in the market for a new car, one I can check off my list.
I'm not understanding the benefit of these iPhone keys. "...meaning you can keep your iPhone in your pocket as you approach the vehicle" I already do that with my Rivian and it automatically unlocks and let me drive without getting the phone out of my pocket or opening the Rivian app. What does this add?
The article says this, "Rivian is implementing a newer version of the feature with Ultra Wideband technology for passive entry, eliminating the need to place your iPhone near an NFC reader."
If it's like Tesla, using UWB tech makes a huge difference in terms of reliability. I can't remember the last time the phone key didn't work or made me unlock my phone. That wasn't always the case prior to UWB.
Because he's paying the provider for data on his phone, that has nothing to do with the car. You can't get one data plan from Verizon and use it on multiple devices can you? You have to pay for several data plans, one for each device
People don’t want to use logic. I get why CarPlay is desired (though I hate it) but you’re not required to pay for anything to connect your phone. People went a decade connecting their phone via Bluetooth pre CarPlay and were fine. Now everyone acts like carmakers NEED to implement Apples software or they’re evil.
