Rivian doesn't offer phone mirroring features like Apple CarPlay in its electric vehicles, so the company is pushing a new software update today that adds built-in Apple Music streaming support, which could address customers' need for connectivity.
Last month, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe said on Decoder that CarPlay can’t leverage other parts of the vehicle experience and takes control away from automakers. In this case, control comes in the form of a paid subscription service required to enjoy some of the features available on Rivian’s large Android-based infotainment screen.
The new native Apple Music app, which includes support for spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, launches after Rivian unveiled its new Connect Plus data subscription in JuneIn an email to The edgeRivian product spokesperson Courtney Richardson wrote that Connect Plus is required for Gen 2 vehicles to have “native app experiences like Apple Music and streaming connectivity no matter where the vehicle travels.”
Control comes in the form of a paid subscription service.
When asked about the difference in connectivity for Gen 1 owners, who can already listen to music on apps like Spotify while on the go without an additional subscription, Richardson shared the same information. Available on Rivian's websiteMany Rivian owners have enjoyed the included data services thanks to the Rivian Membership, which The company has said it is phasing out.
It looks like all R1T and R1S owners will soon need Connect Plus to stream their media apps while on the move and to continue using the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Rivian vehicles can run apps like TuneIn and amazon Audible, and will soon have native YouTube and Google Cast support, as long as owners subscribe to Connect Plus.
To ease the switch, Rivian is extending a new two-month free trial of Connect Plus to all Rivian owners starting today. That means drivers with Apple Music subscriptions can go ahead and enjoy the car’s built-in data for a little while before having to pay extra for the privilege. After the free trial, Connect Plus will cost $14.99 per month or $149.99 per year.
Rivian isn’t the only company pushing customers to subscribe to connectivity. Tesla previously included unlimited data in its vehicles before switching to a $99-a-year Premium subscription (though early Tesla owners still enjoy legacy unlimited plans).
But neither company offers CarPlay or Android Auto, which can mirror your phone's screen and use its services on the car's display, so you never have to worry about unpredictable changes in the automotive world.
For those not looking to pay more, Rivian Tracker information The company will allow native media apps to run when connected to a separate Wi-Fi hotspot. You can also try mounting the phone and connecting audio via Bluetooth for a more 2013-like experience.
