What’s Coming in 2026.15 Update, Including Rivian Assistant

[CharonPDX]

All I have to say is that "basic vehicle functionality" had better work better than now on Gen 1 - without needing a Connect+ subscription. I should be able to do basic tasks like change temp, change audio source, even set a navigation destination that doesn't require extra internet lookup (by address, by a named favorite, "home", etc.) - the kind of crap my no-internet-connection-at-all 2004 Prius could do.

I'll also be rather annoyed if text messages to my own phone require Connect+. Something even an old Tesla with a non-upgraded 3G modem (thus no internet connectivity at all) can do, because it does the voice recognition locally.

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[VSG]

Welp, yet another disappointment. Voice control will not fold the mirrors.

Edit: Also can't control the windows, can't toggle the hazard lights, can't activate windshield wipers, can't do anything with the headlights or turn signals, can't save dash can footage, can't restore seat position, can't change charge limit or amperage, can't toggle hotspot, can't turn on camp mode, and you can't lock/unlock the doors. In addition, the voice assistant can't give you consumption data, can't open the center console, can't fold the seats, can't lock storage bin, and gives completely inaccurate information about nearest chargers (looks like it's using the major city I'm in as a reference instead of my current GPS location).

It's déjà vu all over again - Yogi Berra

From October, when this was first announced:

People blame Alexa a lot, but most of the problems have been on the Rivian end - Rivian did a very poor job of interfacing with Alexa and hasn't done much over the past three years to improve the integration. In fact, Rivian actually removed some features I used, like "Alexa, set a timer for 15 minutes" - timers were explicitly removed in an OTA update last (?) year.

Everything that you can do by pressing buttons on the center screen should be do-able by voice command as well. I make that my baseline - a voice control should allow you to control everything, especially when there are few physical buttons.

However, while "Alexa, turn on defrost" works just fine, "Alexa, turn on defog" does not. "Alexa, turn on seat heater" works, but "Alexa, turn on seat ventilation" doesn't "Alexa, show camera" works, but "Alexa, show navigation" does not. It's hit or miss.

This is not because of Alexa, this is because of the Rivian-written integration with Alexa.

If the integration with Google is done in the same way as the integration with Alexa, then we won't be seeing much improvement.

 

[DuoRivian]

Welp, yet another disappointment. Voice control will not fold the mirrors.

Edit: Also can't control the windows, can't toggle the hazard lights, can't activate windshield wipers, can't do anything with the headlights or turn signals, can't save dash can footage, can't restore seat position, can't change charge limit or amperage, can't toggle hotspot, can't turn on camp mode, and you can't lock/unlock the doors. In addition, the voice assistant can't give you consumption data, can't open the center console, can't fold the seats, can't lock storage bin, and gives completely inaccurate information about nearest chargers (looks like it's using the major city I'm in as a reference instead of my current GPS location).

Rivian: Doesn't seem like your voice assistant can do anything particularly useful that might actually save the driver from having to interact with the touchscreen while driving. But I will say kudos to the fact the voice assistant seems to understand what the driver wants.

Did you submit any of these as feedback directly to a Rivian or just complain on a forum?

This is the first version and it will expand. It already can change drive modes, do navigation thereby removing some screen activities. Sure it could do more and if people provide feedback (there is a whole thread on here about the wishlist) then Rivian can work on that.

 

[mkhuffman]

Welp, yet another disappointment. Voice control will not fold the mirrors.

Edit: Also can't control the windows, can't toggle the hazard lights, can't activate windshield wipers, can't do anything with the headlights or turn signals, can't save dash can footage, can't restore seat position, can't change charge limit or amperage, can't toggle hotspot, can't turn on camp mode, and you can't lock/unlock the doors. In addition, the voice assistant can't give you consumption data, can't open the center console, can't fold the seats, can't lock storage bin, and gives completely inaccurate information about nearest chargers (looks like it's using the major city I'm in as a reference instead of my current GPS location).

Rivian: Doesn't seem like your voice assistant can do anything particularly useful that might actually save the driver from having to interact with the touchscreen while driving. But I will say kudos to the fact the voice assistant seems to understand what the driver wants.

When I first read your post about all the things RA can't do, it seemed pretty bad. And then I realized most of those things are things I don't want RA to do while driving. In fact, some of them could be dangerous if RA could control them when the truck is moving.

Fold the mirrors: may be useful when parking, but not when driving. Definitely I don't want the mirrors folding when I am on the highway.

Toggle hazards: this is also a safety issue. If you need the hazards, there is a big ass red button to press that is much faster and safer than asking RA and waiting for her to confirm "are you sure you want to turn the hazards on right now?". Seriously. Just press the button. It is safer.

Windshield wipers: RA should be able to do this, I think. But if the wipers are on Auto, they will turn on when it rains and off when the rain stops. Seems like a low priority RA feature to me.

Headlights: what do you want RA to do with the headlights? Flash them at oncoming traffic to warm them of a speed trap? Turn them off while driving? RA is not very helpful for this feature and could be dangerous if it misunderstands your voice command.

Turn signals: definitely a safety issue and RA should not turn on a turn signal by command unless you plan to change lanes, and then you really want to ask RA to turn them on and wait for that when you can just hit the stalk? It would be very cool if RA could make the lane change for you using A+. I might subscribe for that. Maybe.

Save dash cam footage - while driving? Why? It is best to do that when stationary.

Seat position: dude. You want RA moving your seat while you are driving? That is a safety issue, and RA should not control the seats when driving. What if it misunderstands and pushes you up against the steering wheel, or pushes you too far back so you can't reach the pedals? No thanks. Manual levers are safer for sure.

Can't change charge limit or amperage - while driving? Why do you want to do that while driving? While parked it seems like unnecessary overhead. Just press the screen.

Hot spot: this could be useful for RA to control while driving, but how many times do you turn it on and off? Mine is just on all the time so my phone can connect to Rivian's data while I am in the truck. I have no need to turn it off and back on. Definitely seems like a low priority feature IMO.

Camp mode: you want to turn on camp mode while driving? Why? Is that even possible?

Lock/unlock doors: maybe if it was allowed at slow speeds it would be safe, but once moving it would generally not be safe to allow RA to unlock the doors. The doors automatically lock when you put it in drive or reverse anyway, so why would you want to override that with RA? On a side note, I really dislike the way I have to press the screen to unlock all the doors. But all they need to do is a software update to make the driver button double press unlock all the doors (or something like that). It won't save me any time asking RA to unlock all the doors after I have exited or am exiting the truck.

Consumption data: asking RA for this information would be cool, but not very useful.

Can't open the center console: you want to do this while driving? Really? Why? Isn't it easier just to press the buttons on the doors? Maybe RA control of this would not be a safety issue, but I don't see how it provides much benefit to the driver.

Can't fold the seats: I suppose this could be useful. I am curious what will happen if you ask RA to fold the rear sites while driving and it has a problem - does that distract you or actually help you keep your focus on the road? Seems like more of a distraction than something actually useful.

Can't lock storage bin: you need to do this while driving? I can see this one being useful if you have a firearm in there and forgot to lock it before starting out. I guess. Doesn't seem like a high priority feature for RA IMO.

Gives completely inaccurate information about nearest chargers: this is the only one in your list that is a valid complaint, IMO. This is perhaps one of the most important things you want to be able to do hands free on a trip, and RA should handle it. I am sure it is a high priority for them to fix it.

 

[VandalSibs]

All I have to say is that "basic vehicle functionality" had better work better than now on Gen 1 - without needing a Connect+ subscription. I should be able to do basic tasks like change temp, change audio source, even set a navigation destination that doesn't require extra internet lookup (by address, by a named favorite, "home", etc.) - the kind of crap my no-internet-connection-at-all 2004 Prius could do.

I'll also be rather annoyed if text messages to my own phone require Connect+. Something even an old Tesla with a non-upgraded 3G modem (thus no internet connectivity at all) can do, because it does the voice recognition locally.

Hopefully the recently mentioned 'Lite' Assistant will be set up do to those things without a subscription. Seems that at minimum it will have text message capabilities.

Now, when that shows up, who knows?

 

[Supratachophobia]

Did you submit any of these as feedback directly to a Rivian or just complain on a forum?

This is the first version and it will expand. It already can change drive modes, do navigation thereby removing some screen activities. Sure it could do more and if people provide feedback (there is a whole thread on here about the wishlist) then Rivian can work on that.

I'll refer you to @VSG's post above:

"Anything that can be done on the touchscreen should be a voice command as a baseline"

https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/members/vsg.8833/

 

[Supratachophobia]

When I first read your post about all the things RA can't do, it seemed pretty bad. And then I realized most of those things are things I don't want RA to do while driving. In fact, some of them could be dangerous if RA could control them when the truck is moving.

Fold the mirrors: may be useful when parking, but not when driving. Definitely I don't want the mirrors folding when I am on the highway.

Toggle hazards: this is also a safety issue. If you need the hazards, there is a big ass red button to press that is much faster and safer than asking RA and waiting for her to confirm "are you sure you want to turn the hazards on right now?". Seriously. Just press the button. It is safer.

Windshield wipers: RA should be able to do this, I think. But if the wipers are on Auto, they will turn on when it rains and off when the rain stops. Seems like a low priority RA feature to me.

Headlights: what do you want RA to do with the headlights? Flash them at oncoming traffic to warm them of a speed trap? Turn them off while driving? RA is not very helpful for this feature and could be dangerous if it misunderstands your voice command.

Turn signals: definitely a safety issue and RA should not turn on a turn signal by command unless you plan to change lanes, and then you really want to ask RA to turn them on and wait for that when you can just hit the stalk? It would be very cool if RA could make the lane change for you using A+. I might subscribe for that. Maybe.

Save dash cam footage - while driving? Why? It is best to do that when stationary.

Seat position: dude. You want RA moving your seat while you are driving? That is a safety issue, and RA should not control the seats when driving. What if it misunderstands and pushes you up against the steering wheel, or pushes you too far back so you can't reach the pedals? No thanks. Manual levers are safer for sure.

Can't change charge limit or amperage - while driving? Why do you want to do that while driving? While parked it seems like unnecessary overhead. Just press the screen.

Hot spot: this could be useful for RA to control while driving, but how many times do you turn it on and off? Mine is just on all the time so my phone can connect to Rivian's data while I am in the truck. I have no need to turn it off and back on. Definitely seems like a low priority feature IMO.

Camp mode: you want to turn on camp mode while driving? Why? Is that even possible?

Lock/unlock doors: maybe if it was allowed at slow speeds it would be safe, but once moving it would generally not be safe to allow RA to unlock the doors. The doors automatically lock when you put it in drive or reverse anyway, so why would you want to override that with RA? On a side note, I really dislike the way I have to press the screen to unlock all the doors. But all they need to do is a software update to make the driver button double press unlock all the doors (or something like that). It won't save me any time asking RA to unlock all the doors after I have exited or am exiting the truck.

Consumption data: asking RA for this information would be cool, but not very useful.

Can't open the center console: you want to do this while driving? Really? Why? Isn't it easier just to press the buttons on the doors? Maybe RA control of this would not be a safety issue, but I don't see how it provides much benefit to the driver.

Can't fold the seats: I suppose this could be useful. I am curious what will happen if you ask RA to fold the rear sites while driving and it has a problem - does that distract you or actually help you keep your focus on the road? Seems like more of a distraction than something actually useful.

Can't lock storage bin: you need to do this while driving? I can see this one being useful if you have a firearm in there and forgot to lock it before starting out. I guess. Doesn't seem like a high priority feature for RA IMO.

Gives completely inaccurate information about nearest chargers: this is the only one in your list that is a valid complaint, IMO. This is perhaps one of the most important things you want to be able to do hands free on a trip, and RA should handle it. I am sure it is a high priority for them to fix it.

I think that's a fair rebuttal. But I'll respond that I think wipers, mirrors, dash cam are specific things that would really help to cut down on driver distraction. I would throw fogs and the LED go around lights in there as well. I actually think that changing drive modes by voice is a larger safety concern and wonder how that made it in. Hotspot as well; basically I'm thinking of QOL improvements where either the button is tiny or the setting is nested in menus.

A great example is "show rear view camera", which actually works. Despite the broken software toggle, the voice command takes the place of hitting a very small and specific part of the screen while I'm trying to pay attention to not running over children.

Regarding seats, I want the position to be able to be moved back to the profile setting. So actually improving safety on that one.

Hazards could go either way, I was thinking of some situation where a driver was incapacitated enough they couldn't find the button or physically press it; like a severed arm.

Consumption data would be useful if I could ask it a natural language question, "what is my remaining range at XXX miles per hour". As it stands now, it just gives me what the dash is telling me with no analysis based on the question or current driving telemetry.

Seats, how many times has your significant other needed to throw a Costco TV in the back and you had to jump out like a schloob to arrange the seats. "Rivian, TV transpo mode", boom, fixed.

But keep this in mind, the car understood what I wanted it to do in 99% of cases. So this isn't Rivian slacking off on the programming side of things. It's not the Rivian can't do it, it won't do it.

 

[mkhuffman]

I think that's a fair rebuttal. But I'll respond that I think wipers, mirrors, dash cam are specific things that would really help to cut down on driver distraction. I would throw fogs and the LED go around lights in there as well. I actually think that changing drive modes by voice is a larger safety concern and wonder how that made it in. Hotspot as well; basically I'm thinking of QOL improvements where either the button is tiny or the setting is nested in menus.

A great example is "show rear view camera", which actually works. Despite the broken software toggle, the voice command takes the place of hitting a very small and specific part of the screen while I'm trying to pay attention to not running over children.

Regarding seats, I want the position to be able to be moved back to the profile setting. So actually improving safety on that one.

Hazards could go either way, I was thinking of some situation where a driver was incapacitated enough they couldn't find the button or physically press it; like a severed arm.

Consumption data would be useful if I could ask it a natural language question, "what is my remaining range at XXX miles per hour". As it stands now, it just gives me what the dash is telling me with no analysis based on the question or current driving telemetry.

Seats, how many times has your significant other needed to throw a Costco TV in the back and you had to jump out like a schloob to arrange the seats. "Rivian, TV transpo mode", boom, fixed.

But keep this in mind, the car understood what I wanted it to do in 99% of cases. So this isn't Rivian slacking off on the programming side of things. It's not the Rivian can't do it, it won't do it.

Ah, some of those in your list are not for reducing distractions while driving, but to just make life easier - like the rear seats so your wife can load your new 85-inch flat screen TV. (Actually, you should be helping her with the TV anyway instead of sitting on your ass in the front seat. Just kidding!)

 

[Supratachophobia]

Ah, some of those in your list are not for reducing distractions while driving, but to just make life easier - like the rear seats so your wife can load your new 85-inch flat screen TV. (Actually, you should be helping her with the TV anyway instead of sitting on your ass in the front seat. Just kidding!)

I will fully own that I want my $100k car with monthly subscription to make my life easier.

Edit: I will also own my lazy ass.

 

[SarahsDad]

Looks like the rollout might be on pause - Rivian Roamer had 1,942 downloads on Tuesday, 603 yesterday, and only 65 today (of their 5,899 enrolled vehicles), so only 44% got the update. I wonder if they want to fix the issue of mistaking local slow chargers for DCFC (noted in Jose's video linked earlier). I'm (not so) patiently waiting...

https://rivianroamer.com/software-updates/2026-15

 

[tate16t]

Looks like the rollout might be on pause - Rivian Roamer had 1,942 downloads on Tuesday, 603 yesterday, and only 65 today (of their 5,899 enrolled vehicles), so only 44% got the update. I wonder if they want to fix the issue of mistaking local slow chargers for DCFC (noted in Jose's video linked earlier). I'm (not so) patiently waiting...

https://rivianroamer.com/software-updates/2026-15

They did fix the issue Jose experienced -

 

[CharonPDX]

Hopefully the recently mentioned 'Lite' Assistant will be set up do to those things without a subscription. Seems that at minimum it will have text message capabilities.

Now, when that shows up, who knows?

Yeah, I'd love to know what voice features are available without a Connect+. Hopefully it won't be like the current/previous one where if you ask it something it can't do, Alexa complains it doesn't have internet.

 

[Rade]

Still a'waitin'....

 

[Skeldog99]

Would be nice if they randomized you a number in a queue like the Covid days when you wanted to buy a GPU only to find out they sold out before your turn! Great times.

 

[Rivian Roamer]

Looks like the rollout might be on pause - Rivian Roamer had 1,942 downloads on Tuesday, 603 yesterday, and only 65 today (of their 5,899 enrolled vehicles), so only 44% got the update. I wonder if they want to fix the issue of mistaking local slow chargers for DCFC (noted in Jose's video linked earlier). I'm (not so) patiently waiting...

https://rivianroamer.com/software-updates/2026-15

Someone says this every update, there is no indication that it's paused. The deployment is NOT constant. They complete waves, generally around noon PT, sometimes later.

https://rivianroamer.com/guides/software-updates

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