Rivian is not providing phone mirroring capabilities such as Apple CarPlay in its electric vehicles. Instead, it is introducing a new software update today that incorporates built-in Apple Music streaming support, potentially satisfying customers’ need for connectivity.
Last month, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe stated on Decoder that CarPlay is unable to utilize other aspects of the vehicle experience and takes control away from automakers. Here, control is manifested in the form of a paid subscription service necessary to access some of the features on Rivian’s large Android-based infotainment screen.
The new native Apple Music app, which supports spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, is being launched after Rivian introduced its new Connect Plus data subscription in June. In an email to The Verge, Rivian 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 regardless of the vehicle’s location.”
When questioned about the disparity in connectivity for Gen 1 owners, who can already listen to music in apps like Spotify on the move without an additional subscription, Richardson shared the same information available on Rivian’s website. Many Rivian owners have relished the included data services thanks to the Rivian Membership, which the company has indicated it is phasing out.
It appears that all owners of R1T and R1S vehicles will shortly need Connect Plus to stream their media apps while on the go and to continue using the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi hotspot. Rivian vehicles can run applications like TuneIn and Amazon Audible and will soon have native YouTube and support for Google Cast, provided that owners subscribe to Connect Plus.
To facilitate the transition, Rivian is offering a new two-month free trial of Connect Plus for all Rivian owners starting today. This implies that drivers with Apple Music subscriptions can enjoy the car’s built-in data for a while before having to pay extra for the privilege. After the free trial, Connect Plus will cost $14.99 per month or $149.99 annually.
Rivian is not the sole company encouraging customers to opt for connectivity subscriptions. Tesla previously included unlimited data on its vehicles before shifting to a $99 per year Premium subscription (although early Tesla owners still enjoy grandfathered unlimited plans).
However, neither company offers CarPlay or Android Auto, which enables mirroring of one’s phone screen and usage of its services on the car’s display, thus eliminating the worry about unpredictable changes in the automotive domain.
For those unwilling to pay extra, RivianTrackr reports that the company will permit native media apps to function when connected to a separate Wi-Fi hotspot. One could also attempt to mount their phone and connect audio via Bluetooth for a more retro experience.