Rivian 2nd-Gen R1 EVs: Apple Wallet Car Key, Apple Music with Spatial Audio Support Unveiled

The latest releases from Rivian unveiled the second-generation R1 electric vehicles from its lineup, and the massive revamp offers a list of new features, including several Apple feature integrations. Soon, owners of the latest R1 EVs could add their digital car keys to Apple Wallet, enabling them to unlock and start the vehicle.

Additionally, it introduced Apple Music with Spatial Audio integration alongside Dolby Atmos, boosting the experience of its infotainment system.

Rivian 2nd-Gen R1 Electric Vehicles Bring Apple Integrations

Rivian unveiled its latest take on its first electric vehicles, the R1T electric pickup and the R1S electric SUV, which offers a revamp to its current fleet. The second-generation EVs deliver a new Quad Motor designed and built by Rivian that is capable of delivering 1,025 horsepower and zero to 60 MPH in 2.5 seconds.

However, the company's focus for these new EVs is massive integrations to the EVs, focusing now on Apple products, including the Wallet and Music platforms.

First, Apple Wallet's car key support may now add Rivian's 2nd-gen R1T and R1S electric vehicles to unlock and start the vehicles using the iPhone and Apple Watch. Users may also share the digital car keys with family and friends.

On the other hand, Rivian's new Connect+ subscription package, which offers Google Cast for around 3,000 apps, also offers Apple Music with Spatial Audio integration right on the infotainment system. Under Rivian Premium Audio, Apple Music may be streamed via Dolby Atmos.

Rivian New R1 EVs: Price and Release Date

The new Rivian R1S electric SUV is available starting at $75,900 , and the R1T electric pickup features a price tag of $69,900. The new R1 EVs from Rivian are available to purchase and deliver starting today.

Rivian's Electric Vehicle Development

Over the past year, Rivian has doubled down on its latest developments for its electric vehicles, centering on new members of its team to deliver massive insights toward its fleet's expansion. Last January, Rivian announced the arrival of a former Apple and Porsche executive, Jonas Reinke, who was announced to help improve its R1 lineup and upcoming R2 and R2 developments.

Additionally, there was another hire close to Reinke's announcement. It centers on another Apple VP, DJ Novotney, who is known for being part of Cupertino's hardware engineering division. It was reported that Novotney contributed significantly to Project Titan, more popularly known as the Apple Car project, which has since been canceled.

Rivian's hiring spree earlier this year for Apple executives has massively contributed to their latest electric vehicle developments, one that users will see in the latest availability of the R1 lineup. The new R1T and R1S will both feature Apple Wallet car key and Apple Music with Spatial Audio support, alongside Dolby Atmos integration for the latest cars.