Rivian's CEO Prefers to Forfeit You as a Customer Instead of Incorporating Apple CarPlay | Carscoops

      CarPlay enthusiasts might feel let down as Rivian reinforces its commitment to creating its own immersive infotainment system.

      The CEO emphasizes that CarPlay and Android Auto seem too standard for Rivian’s user experience.

      Rivian plans to introduce voice, messaging, and mapping functionalities within the next 18 months.

      The company acknowledges that it could potentially lose customers by not incorporating Apple CarPlay.

      While many drivers consider smooth smartphone integration vital, Rivian remains resolute in its choice to forgo Apple CarPlay in its electric vehicles. The company believes its unique infotainment platform can offer a more unified and tailored experience through essential app integrations.

      Rivian shares this perspective with Tesla and GM, but its decision still sparks discussion among some customers.

      As stated by Rivian's CEO, RJ Scaringe, alternating between CarPlay or Android Auto and the company's customized interface doesn't align with the experience they aspire to provide.

      Rivian's infotainment system is built on the Android Automotive operating system, allowing access to popular applications like YouTube, Spotify, and, since last year, Apple Music.

      “One System to Rule Them All”

      “We’ve made a decision that I’m very confident about, which, I believe, over time, customers will value. We aimed for a seamless digital experience,” Scaringe shared in a recent conversation with The Verge.

      “Our goal is to eliminate the need to switch between CarPlay, which is clearly identifiable as CarPlay and feels the same in every vehicle, and what we have built as a Rivian environment,” he added.

      In the coming 18 months, Rivian intends to introduce numerous updates to its proprietary infotainment system, each aimed at providing what Scaringe describes as a “richer, better experience for drivers and passengers.”

      These upcoming features will involve connecting various applications, offering insights such as “what is the vehicle’s state? Is it in drive, or is it parked? What are the conditions outside the vehicle? What’s your driving history?”

      Eventually, Rivian asserts that all functionalities appreciated by CarPlay users, like mapping and voice-to-text capabilities, will be integrated into its own system.

      Standing by the Decision

      “We're truly committed to this decision,” Scaringe remarked. “For some individuals, that may mean they won’t purchase a Rivian. We accept that. It’s a conscious choice.” He elaborated that creating a vehicle entails numerous decisions, many of which won’t satisfy everyone, but all play a part in establishing the brand’s unique identity.

      “I often say: part of developing a complex product like this is recognizing and accepting that we must make countless decisions; a vehicle is made up of millions of choices. Not all of those decisions will resonate with everyone, and that’s perfectly fine.”

      When questioned about additional Apple-related features that might come in future updates, Scaringe revealed that “messaging” and “vehicle access” functions are already being developed.