Welcome to our weekly summary of the dynamic advancements shaping the future of electric vehicles.
Soon, you’ll be able to unlock, lock, and start your Rivian using your iPhone or Apple Watch. Rivian confirmed to MacRumors that this feature is on its way, discovered through signals activation within Apple Wallet—the app where you store secure information on your iPhone.
This may seem like a small step, but it’s part of a broader trend. Rivian has already been offering a digital key via its app, following Tesla’s lead, which first introduced the idea of using a smartphone as a car key back in 2017. BMW was the pioneer in integrating Apple Car Keys in 2018.
For passionate Rivian enthusiasts, this development hints at a larger shift—one where the Irvine, California-based automaker might soon embrace more open platforms like Apple CarPlay. CarPlay allows users to access apps such as music, navigation, and messaging seamlessly from their vehicle, a feature that has become a standard expectation. According to industry data, over 90% of new vehicles worldwide support either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with many consumers preferring these systems over native infotainment setups. Surveys by McKinsey and J.D. Power show that nearly half of car buyers wouldn’t consider a vehicle lacking these integrations.
Tesla has remained steadfast in its approach, refusing to include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in its vehicles, aiming for complete control over the user experience. Rivian, however, has shown signs of flexibility—already integrating Apple Music with Spatial Audio last year and now hinting at support for Car Keys. Will CarPlay be the next step?
Meanwhile, Rivian continues to develop features that enhance safety without aiming for full autonomy. The company recently launched an “unmapped roads” feature—an advanced driver-assist system that aids drivers on highways without taking full control. Rivian’s VP of autonomy, James Philbin, emphasizes that their goal is to support drivers where they are, allowing them to drive if they choose.
In contrast, Stellantis—parent to Jeep, Ram, and Chrysler—appears to be retreating from ambitions of full self-driving. According to Reuters, the automaker is now less interested in Level 3 autonomous driving technology, citing limited demand and the high costs involved. A recent AAA survey shows that six out of ten U.S. drivers remain wary of self-driving vehicles, preferring driver-assist features over fully autonomous systems. Trust in Tesla’s Full Self-Driving technology is especially fragile, with nearly half of American consumers believing it should be illegal. Most prefer autonomous systems that incorporate both LiDAR and cameras, like in Waymo’s robotaxis, rather than camera-only models.
Speaking of Waymo, the autonomous ride-hailing service finally received a permit to test in New York City. Although a trained operator is still required during testing, Waymo remains the industry leader in robotaxis across the U.S., providing over 250,000 rides weekly in multiple states.
Looking at the broader picture, it appears that automakers are recalibrating their strategies to better match consumer preferences. Rivian’s openness to integrating the Apple ecosystem suggests that CarPlay support may soon be standard, aligning with what many drivers want. Stellantis is scaling back its self-driving ambitions until the market is more receptive, while Waymo continues to expand its safe, driverless ride services.
In essence, after years of hype and bold projects, many car manufacturers are adjusting their approaches—prioritizing features that consumers actually value and gradually opening up to more accessible, connected driving experiences.
