Rivian’s R1T and R1S do not come with native Apple CarPlay or Android Auto support, meaning anyone typing does rivian have apple carplay into Google will find that Rivian chose a proprietary infotainment experience over phone mirroring. CEO RJ Scaringe confirmed on The Verge’s Decoder podcast that Rivian has no plans to add CarPlay, arguing it would cede too much control and fracture the seamless Rivian UX. Instead, Rivian offers a Connect+ subscription—featuring Apple Music with spatial audio and more—for $14.99/month, though subscribers still can’t mirror navigation or SMS as they would on CarPlay. For those who insist on the familiar CarPlay interface, several cheap aftermarket screens enable owners to add CarPlay to their R1T/R1S—fueling threads on Reddit and RivianForums about DIY installs and warranty concerns. Surveys find that roughly one-third of new car buyers would refuse to purchase a vehicle without Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, highlighting the deal-breaker factor for many shoppers. And while Apple’s next-gen CarPlay has been delayed past its promised 2024 launch, Rivian shows no signs of reversing course, betting on its own ecosystem for the foreseeable future.
Does Rivian Have Apple CarPlay? Answered
If you’ve ever typed does rivian have apple carplay into your search bar, here’s the clear answer: Rivian’s stock infotainment system does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Rivian chose a fully integrated firmware stack—handcrafted UX, in-house routing, and one-app-per-screen design—over smartphone mirroring, prioritizing cohesion over familiarity.
Rivian’s Infotainment Philosophy: Why “does rivian have apple carplay” Still Matters
Rivian founder RJ Scaringe likened adopting CarPlay to Apple choosing Windows over macOS, saying CarPlay would force Rivian to hand off key features, like opening the frunk, to an external interface. This echoes decisions by Tesla, GM, and Mercedes-Benz, all of whom have similarly rejected CarPlay in favor of in-house systems. Yet the query does rivian have apple carplay remains critical because CarPlay’s seamless phone-to-dash experience has become an expected standard.
Native Alternatives: Connect+ Subscription
Many ask, “If does rivian have apple carplay, is answered with a no, what then?” Rivian’s Connect+ plan ($14.99/mo or $149.99/yr) grants Apple Music (spatial audio), Spotify, Audible, and more—mirroring some media features but not full CarPlay navigation or SMS. Although Connect+ addresses “how to use CarPlay on Rivian” in spirit, it falls short of true phone-mirroring functionality.
Aftermarket Solutions for “does rivian have apple carplay”
For owners still typing does rivian have apple carplay, aftermarket kits deliver a plug-and-play remedy. The Smart Dash Screen by EV Sportline (Team 1EV) interlocks with the factory dash—no drilling required—and activates Apple CarPlay/Android Auto seamlessly. RivianForums threads and Reddit posts confirm easy installs and reliable performance, though always verify warranty implications before fitting third-party hardware.
User Sentiment: Is “does rivian have apple carplay” a Deal-Breaker?
A McKinsey & Co. study found 30% of EV buyers and 35% of ICE buyers view lack of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto as a deal-breaker. On Reddit, countless owners lament Rivian nav issues and missing hands-free texting, repeatedly asking does rivian have apple carplay and debating whether it would have swayed their purchase decision.
Data Privacy & Security Considerations
While does rivian have apple carplay overshadows many concerns, data security can’t be ignored. Rivian’s in-house OTA updates and encrypted ecosystem protect user data, whereas aftermarket CarPlay modules must be scrutinized for firmware-update policies to avoid vulnerabilities.
Environmental Impact of Aftermarket Hardware
Each does rivian have apple carplay workaround adds e-waste—obsolete screens and wiring harnesses end up in landfills. To minimize impact, opt for vendors offering take-back or recycling programs and repurpose old dash components whenever possible.
Smart Home & IoT Integration
Answering does rivian have apple carplay isn’t the only way to unify your digital life. Rivian’s native app integrates with Apple HomeKit and Alexa for home-charging scheduling and remote climate control—offering a different yet seamless connectivity beyond CarPlay.
Future Outlook: Will “does rivian have apple carplay” Be Supported?
Apple’s next-gen CarPlay has been delayed past its promised 2024 launch, and automakers like Porsche have previewed it. Rivian, however, emphasized continued investment in its Iternio-powered routing and messaging enhancements over CarPlay integration. Given Rivian’s strategic joint-venture with Volkswagen on software, the question does rivian have apple carplay will likely remain unanswered in favor of an evolved in-house ecosystem.
Conclusion & Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Rivian support Apple CarPlay?
No—does rivian have apple carplay? The answer is a definitive no.
2. How much does Connect+ cost?
$14.99 per month or $149.99 per year.
3. Are there cheap CarPlay solutions for Rivian?
Yes—EV Sportline’s Smart Dash Screen and upcoming modules provide cheap Apple CarPlay for Rivian owners.
4. Will future Rivian updates add CarPlay?
Rivian has no plans; RJ Scaringe reaffirmed the proprietary strategy.
5. What’s the deal-breaker factor for Apple CarPlay?
Roughly one-third of buyers refuse to purchase without CarPlay/Android Auto.