Rivian has strategically enhanced the audio experience in its electric vehicles (EVs) by introducing a new software update. This update directly brings Apple Music with spatial audio to the cars, despite the absence of Apple CarPlay. This development may satisfy the connectivity needs of Rivian customers who are used to the convenience of CarPlay but need help finding it available in their EVs.
Rivian’s approach to in-car connectivity
Rivian, unlike many other automakers, has opted not to include phone mirroring features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto in its vehicles. Instead, the company takes a different approach by integrating key services directly into the vehicle’s system. Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe explained last month on the Decoder podcast that CarPlay often limits automakers by controlling the vehicle’s user interface and features. To maintain control over the in-car experience, Rivian is focussing on a subscription-based model.
The latest software update introduces a native Apple Music app, including support for spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, enhancing the listening experience. This update follows Rivian’s recent Connect Plus data subscription service launch in June. Rivian product spokesperson Courtney Richardson stated that this subscription is essential for Gen 2 vehicles to access native apps like Apple Music and maintain streaming connectivity regardless of the vehicle’s location.
Changes for Rivian owners
For those who own a Rivian R1T or R1S, there are some notable changes on the horizon. While Gen 1 vehicle owners have enjoyed the ability to stream music through apps like Spotify without any additional subscription, the introduction of Connect Plus marks a shift. Soon, all Rivian owners will need this subscription to stream media apps and continue using the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi hotspot.
Rivian’s Connect Plus service, which costs US$14.99 per month or US$149.99 annually, offers various benefits, including the ability to use apps like TuneIn and Amazon Audible. It will soon support native YouTube and Google Cast if the owner subscribes to Connect Plus. Rivian is offering all its customers a two-month free trial of Connect Plus starting today to ease the transition. This trial allows drivers to use the built-in data to stream Apple Music and other services before deciding whether to subscribe.
Subscription trends in the auto industry
Rivian isn’t alone in pushing towards subscription-based services for in-car connectivity. Tesla, a pioneer in the electric vehicle market, once offered unlimited data to its customers but later shifted to a US$99 per year Premium subscription. However, early Tesla adopters still enjoy unlimited data under grandfathered plans. Despite these industry trends, neither Rivian nor Tesla currently offers CarPlay or Android Auto, which allows drivers to mirror their phone’s screen on the car’s display.
There are alternatives for Rivian owners who prefer to avoid paying for Connect Plus. According to RivianTrackr, you can still use native media apps by connecting your vehicle to a separate Wi-Fi hotspot. Alternatively, you could mount your phone and connect via Bluetooth for a more traditional audio experience reminiscent of earlier vehicle models.
As Rivian continues to develop its approach to in-car connectivity, customers will have to weigh the benefits of its native app offerings against the cost of additional subscriptions.
