Rivian, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has made a bold decision not to support Apple CarPlay in its vehicles. This move sets them apart from other automakers who have embraced the technology, despite its popularity among consumers. While some customers may be disappointed by this choice, Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe explained that the company wants to create a seamless and integrated digital experience for users.
In a recent interview on The Verge’s Decoder podcast, Scaringe emphasized the importance of maintaining control over the in-car technology to ensure a consistent and harmonious user experience. Rather than relying on CarPlay for certain features, Rivian plans to offer popular CarPlay functions on an individual basis and act as a curator for integrating various apps and platforms into their vehicles.
Although Rivian models do not currently support CarPlay, the company is working on adding features like Apple Music and YouTube to enhance the digital ecosystem of their vehicles. Scaringe acknowledged that there are areas for improvement, such as maps and texting, but reassured consumers that they are committed to integrating the best features over time.
Despite the trend of automakers adopting CarPlay, Scaringe believes that the issue may be receiving more attention than it deserves. He pointed out that even Apple employees who drive Rivian vehicles do not seem to be bothered by the lack of CarPlay. This suggests that the decision to forego CarPlay may not be as significant to some drivers as it is made out to be.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of in-car technology, the question remains: which company will control the screens in your car? While Apple CarPlay has become a popular choice for many automakers, Rivian’s decision to take a different approach highlights the diversity of options available to consumers. Ultimately, the success of a digital ecosystem in vehicles will depend on the seamless integration of features and the ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences. As Rivian continues to develop its digital experience, it will be interesting to see how their unique approach resonates with drivers in the electric vehicle market.