Rivian software to run Audi's EV lineup starting 2028

[ENVErider]

https://www.autoblog.com/news/rivian-software-to-turbocharge-audis-ev-lineup-starting-2028

Summary as per ChatGPT:


What This Means for Audi Starting in 2028

• Audi will be the first VW Group brand to offer production models equipped with the full Rivian-developed software stack, expected to hit the market in 2028 .
• These debut models will be two all-new vehicles on a new platform—very likely Audi’s SSP modular architecture—and will serve as a testbed before rolling out the tech across Audi’s entire lineup .
• The Rivian software promises benefits across several dimensions:
  • Reduced complexity in development and vehicle systems
  • Faster, leaner R&D workflows
  • Built-in over-the-air (OTA) updates to add features and fix issues
  • Improved organizational efficiency through a software-defined architecture .
• 
  
• Audi’s design philosophy remains customer-focused: they will combine this digital architecture with tactile, physical controls—like fewer virtual buttons, more haptic feedback (“Audi click”)—paired with a central computing unit supplemented by zonal computers .

Context: Why This Matters

• The joint venture addresses VW’s long-standing struggles with its in-house software arm, Cariad, which has faced delays and setbacks. Rivian’s technology offers a faster, more scalable route to modern EV software architecture .
• Initial applications of the joint venture’s tech include Rivian’s R2 SUV (2026) and VW-branded models (as early as 2027) .
• According to Rivian’s Chief Software Officer, other automakers are already showing interest in licensing this architecture, indicating potential broader impact beyond VW Group .

Great news for all of us Rivian owners. There is a huge upside potential for Rivian with this joint venture. Imagine a future where all vehicles are not only EVs but run a single OS. With a bit of luck in timing and choices on licensing model, Microsoft won the OS war, and that built the foundation of their empire. Rivian could theoretically make more profits in software licensing than vehicle sales if it became the Microsoft of the car industry. Imagine a future where car parts are "plug & play" compatible, and we can go to the car parts store and pick up a compatible sensor or other part like we can now for fixing or modifying our own Windows PC.

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[captainjp]

Great news for all of us Rivian owners. There is a huge upside potential for Rivian with this joint venture. Imagine a future where all vehicles are not only EVs but run a single OS. With a bit of luck in timing and choices on licensing model, Microsoft won the OS war, and that built the foundation of their empire. Rivian could theoretically make more profits in software licensing than vehicle sales if it became the Microsoft of the car industry. Imagine a future where car parts are "plug & play" compatible, and we can go to the car parts store and pick up a compatible sensor or other part like we can now for fixing or modifying our own Windows PC.

Agreed. Tesla hands-down cornered the charging market and like you say, Rivian has the opportunity to corner a software/OS market. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.

 

[C.R. Rivian]

This is great news! Can we have Audi take over Rivian's sound system? That is really the only thing I miss from my previous vehicle. I've never had a better sound system that the B&O I had in my prestige SQ5 that I sold after getting my Rivian.

Rivian, if you are listening. I was planning on trading my 2022 R1T Quad for the 2026 Quad, but, since I have the Meridian sound system (which is still nowhere near the B&O I had before), there is no way I would go to a car with the in house sound system. My wife's R1S has the in house sound system and I have to say it is just not what you would expect in a car at this price point.

I'm fine since I mostly Audible in my R1T, but these guys have always been great on audio solutions:
Outfit My Car - Find Car Audio/Video Gear that Fits Your Vehicle at Crutchfield!

 

[Antonio]

I had an SQ5 Sportback Prestige and I thought the B&O was good, but not as good as what's in my Rivian. I'm surprised you judge it as better.

I suppose sound quality could be subjective. I would say my meridian system is decent, but not as sharp as the B&O used to be (in my own terms, the high hits sound sh-sh, instead of ts-ts, how it should be). I would qualify my wife’s in house system as poor though.

Were you plugging your phone to the car to listen to music? Or were you doing it through Bluetooth?

 

[Antonio]

I'm fine since I mostly Audible in my R1T, but these guys have always been great on audio solutions:
Outfit My Car - Find Car Audio/Video Gear that Fits Your Vehicle at Crutchfield!

Thanks! My concern with this would be that it could cause problems later on if an update is released that would affect the sound system.

 

[Donald Stanfield]

I suppose sound quality could be subjective. I would say my meridian system is decent, but not as sharp as the B&O used to be (in my own terms, the high hits sound sh-sh, instead of ts-ts, how it should be). I would qualify my wife’s in house system as poor though.

Were you plugging your phone to the car to listen to music? Or were you doing it through Bluetooth?

CarPlay is what I used. It could have been the sound files being poor quality though. I agree that the crispness isn't as good on the Rivian, but the bass is much better and it hits harder.

 

[C.R. Rivian]

Thanks! My concern with this would be that it could cause problems later on if an update is released that would affect the sound system.

A point, but still might be worth having a conversation....

 

[lefkonj]

Fantastic news for both companies. Considering how poorly the Audi EVs have been received and how this helps Rivian with its own viability going forward.

 

[Cosworth]

Great news for all of us Rivian owners. There is a huge upside potential for Rivian with this joint venture. Imagine a future where all vehicles are not only EVs but run a single OS. With a bit of luck in timing and choices on licensing model, Microsoft won the OS war, and that built the foundation of their empire. Rivian could theoretically make more profits in software licensing than vehicle sales if it became the Microsoft of the car industry. Imagine a future where car parts are "plug & play" compatible, and we can go to the car parts store and pick up a compatible sensor or other part like we can now for fixing or modifying our own Windows PC.

I get the appeal in concept, but that probably wouldn't be a good thing, imo. If everything was a single OS, there would be no need to evolve it over time to make it better, as there'd be no competition. Now, if there was an industry standard for plug and play stuff (like what USB brought to the table), I could see that working. Overall, I like Windows, but it does some supremely stupid stuff as well.
As RJ has said for automakers, competition is good.

 

[emoore]

I get the appeal in concept, but that probably wouldn't be a good thing, imo. If everything was a single OS, there would be no need to evolve it over time to make it better, as there'd be no competition. Now, if there was an industry standard for plug and play stuff (like what USB brought to the table), I could see that working. Overall, I like Windows, but it does some supremely stupid stuff as well.
As RJ has said for automakers, competition is good.

Exactly how we wound up with Windows ME since Microsoft cornered the OS market and everyone suffered (except for Microsoft profits).

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