Rivian is set to release an update to its vehicle software, its second in less than a month. The latest upgrade will bring Rivian’s AI assistant to all vehicles and will start rolling out from next week.
The most coveted feature of the update 2026.15 is Rivian Assistant, which was revealed during the company’s Autonomy & AI Day last December. It works as a general-purpose AI that can answer questions. However, it can also be used to control parts of the car’s functions and even integrate with third-party services for more capabilities.
During the reveal, Rivian demonstrated how Rivian Assistant can carry out routine tasks with voice commands, such as locating a restaurant and booking a reservation. The software could also handle setting up a Google Calendar meeting or appointment.
Rivian Assistant will support Android apps out of the gate, with Apple and Microsoft ecosystem integration in the pipeline. While some features mentioned in December may be missing in this rollout, customers will be able to adjust various settings and climate controls, according to the release notes.
They can also use their voice to respond to messages and even make phone calls, in addition to controlling navigation and playing media from Spotify, SiriusXM, etc.
Rivian Assistant will also be able to help owners with inquiries about the weather or simple questions, such as what song is playing. It can also direct drivers to event venues. However, Rivian Assistant will require a Connect+ subscription.
The AI assistant can be voice-activated with “Okay, Rivian” or “Hey, Rivian” after initial setup.
Some drivers have been able to access Rivian Assistant through loaner vehicles, while Rivian employees have been spotted testing the feature. However, the over-the-air rollout will make the AI assistant more widely available, even to first-generation Rivians, as confirmed on X by Wassym Bensaid, Rivian’s Chief Software Officer.
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