Apple CarPlay and Android for R1T / R1S?

[SoCal Rob]

Apps for charging don't pre-condition the battery when you've routed to a charging station. NAV really is a different beast in an EV, and I use the native exclusively even though I have the option of CP because it's just better for a variety of reasons. I also use the native Amazon Music app vs. the one in CP, because the CP version is locked down and doesn't allow full access to music and stations. This is all with a system that I think will be inferior to what Rivian will produce.

It's $550/year, but more than just data. The data is probably 40% of that number based on what standalone data plans cost, and the rest gives you free charging at RAN, roadside support, access to their private land and other events, and enhanced vehicle features that are to be developed in the future (Launch Mode is one that was mentioned).

Even if they allowed CP/AA I think many people would still sign up for the membership. I pay more for much less with Audi. I pay about $700/year for what amounts to just data services.

Not only would I pay for the membership if they offered AA/CP, but I’d pay an upcharge to add the AA/CP on top of the regular membership features.

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[lefkonj]

Another quick note here. I was given a 2021 Audi Q7 as a loaner yesterday. The CarPlay integration there is improved greatly since 2019. While using CarPlay you still have full access to phone controls and navigation on the Audi digital instrument cluster.... I keep saying the same thing, 100% software thing they have to want to do. Big difference between can't and won't.

 

[Obioban]

I would not pay for the service if they offered CP/AA, but I would buy the truck... which I won't if they don't.

The only recurring monthly fees I pay for are insurance, phone bill, and home internet bill. That will not be changing. If I can't buy it outright, I don't want it.

 

[Toadkillerdog]

I would not pay for the service if they offered CP/AA, but I would buy the truck... which I won't if they don't.

The only recurring monthly fees I pay for are insurance, phone bill, and home internet bill. That will not be changing. If I can't buy it outright, I don't want it.

I wouldn’t go that far. I have Netflix, Apple Music subscription. Everyone wants a piece of your paycheck nowadays. I can buy the truck and subscribe or not as I like. I like choices. But not offering me CarPlay takes away my choice and tells me someone else demands I only use their choices.
If they evolve a system that is attractive enough to subscribe to I will pay for it but what they are offering now is unimpressive. What extra drive modes could I possibly need? Extra special, more better icy conditions mode? Better be compelling. The equivalent of GM super cruise? Very cool but I don’t do enough highway driving to want it that much. I have 3 years free blue cruise on my f150 hybrid but won’t pay for the subscription after it runs out. To many on this forum that level of driver assistance would be worth it. Extra apps? I already have them on my phone so I would have to pay Rivian for the privilege of having them. For now what they are talking about is nebulous or un exciting to me. Maybe they will make it compelling to me someday. To others it is already a done deal and they will probably buy anything Rivian offers.

 

[Dbeglor]

I wouldn’t go that far. I have Netflix, Apple Music subscription. Everyone wants a piece of your paycheck nowadays. I can buy the truck and subscribe or not as I like. I like choices. But not offering me CarPlay takes away my choice and tells me someone else demands I only use their choices.
If they evolve a system that is attractive enough to subscribe to I will pay for it but what they are offering now is unimpressive. What extra drive modes could I possibly need? Extra special, more better icy conditions mode? Better be compelling. The equivalent of GM super cruise? Very cool but I don’t do enough highway driving to want it that much. I have 3 years free blue cruise on my f150 hybrid but won’t pay for the subscription after it runs out. To many on this forum that level of driver assistance would be worth it. Extra apps? I already have them on my phone so I would have to pay Rivian for the privilege of having them. For now what they are talking about is nebulous or un exciting to me. Maybe they will make it compelling to me someday. To others it is already a done deal and they will probably buy anything Rivian offers.

I think people are veering off course in thinking they have to pay for a subscription to use their system. You do not, you can buy a Rivian and never pay a cent of recurring expense just like any other vehicle that offers data services. If you hate their system more than you like everything else about the vehicle, then it's not for you and that's ok. Plenty of other fish in the sea.

The membership has value beyond the cost for a lot of people in just the free charging, access to events and private lands, off road extraction and all the other things it includes. How much does an off-road extraction cost? Many people would otherwise spend over $550/year just on the charging aspect ($550/yr equates to about 1,280 kwh or about 3k mi). What's the value in being able to access private land for a family trip with available fully equipped (tent, camp kitchen) Rivians to rent instead of beating up your own vehicle?

For them, the data component will be an added free bonus, it won't cost them anything.

 

[Toadkillerdog]

I think people are veering off course in thinking they have to pay for a subscription to use their system. You do not, you can buy a Rivian and never pay a cent of recurring expense just like any other vehicle that offers data services. If you hate their system more than you like everything else about the vehicle, then it's not for you and that's ok. Plenty of other fish in the sea.

The membership has value beyond the cost for a lot of people in just the free charging, access to events and private lands, off road extraction and all the other things it includes. How much does an off-road extraction cost? Many people would otherwise spend over $550/year just on the charging aspect ($550/yr equates to about 1,280 kwh or about 3k mi). What's the value in being able to access private land for a family trip with available fully equipped (tent, camp kitchen) Rivians to rent instead of beating up your own vehicle?

For them, the data component will be an added free bonus, it won't cost them anything.

If you are referring to my post I never even hinted that you had to have a subscription to use the vehicle. Or system. I think it was perfectly clear I would be happy with the decent basic functionality without a subscription unless it was compelling. I called the current media apps they offer unimpressive But the entire media system is ok. Nothing rivian has told us about future subscription services so far is compelling enough for me to pay a subscription. For ME, an off road extraction subscription is completely unnecessary, For ME who does 99% of his charging at night at home I don’t need Free charging on the road. For you it might sound compelling. I thank them for the choice and am not interested so far. If you were not referring to my post, then please ignore this post lol

edit. I begin to think my comment about extra special drive modes alarmed you into thinking that I believed there would be no basic functionality without a subscription. What I meant is that the existing drive modes are fully sufficient for me unless they come up with one so compelling and original I can’t live without it. Doubt it for my on the road majority of use case.

 

[astonius]

I think people are veering off course in thinking they have to pay for a subscription to use their system. You do not, you can buy a Rivian and never pay a cent of recurring expense just like any other vehicle that offers data services. If you hate their system more than you like everything else about the vehicle, then it's not for you and that's ok. Plenty of other fish in the sea.

Are we sure about this? Since the obvious analogue is Tesla, you do have to pay a monthly subscription to use most of the services. You have the sloppy fall-back of bluetooth, but if you want integrated music services you have to pay for Tesla's data plan. If you want detailed navigation information you have to pay (satellite view, live traffic, etc). Seems like that is the case with Rivian as well.

 

[Dbeglor]

Are we sure about this? Since the obvious analogue is Tesla, you do have to pay a monthly subscription to use most of the services. You have the sloppy fall-back of bluetooth, but if you want integrated music services you have to pay for Tesla's data plan. If you want detailed navigation information you have to pay (satellite view, live traffic, etc). Seems like that is the case with Rivian as well.

Yes, if it requires data, you have to pay for data just like with any device/vehicle.

 

[Obioban]

Yes, if it requires data, you have to pay for data just like with any device/vehicle.

(but not if you have CP/AA, since that uses the existing data plan on your phone)

 

[Dbeglor]

(but not if you have CP/AA, since that uses the existing data plan on your phone)

That's right, if you are satisfied with what that provides vs. the native system capabilities. It's for each to decide on their own. I choose to pay for the redundancy bc CP's limitations do not satisfy my needs/desires and I find Audi's native offerings to be better and more integrated.

 

[CommodoreAmiga]

That's right, if you are satisfied with what that provides vs. the native system capabilities. It's for each to decide on their own. I choose to pay for the redundancy bc CP's limitations do not satisfy my needs/desires and I find Audi's native offerings to be better and more integrated.

If Rivian continues to refuse to support CarPlay, then no, it isn't for each user to decide on their own. Rivian is forcing their subscription, even if the user was okay with what CP offered.

 

[Obioban]

That's right, if you are satisfied with what that provides vs. the native system capabilities. It's for each to decide on their own. I choose to pay for the redundancy bc CP's limitations do not satisfy my needs/desires and I find Audi's native offerings to be better and more integrated.

The R1T would be one of 6 cars we own, and probably the least driven. Even if I wanted to pay for more monthly recurring services (I don't), the truck would be one of the last places I did it

... plus I overwhelmingly listen to podcasts, which can only stay synced between cars by having them come from the phone.

 

[Dbeglor]

If Rivian continues to refuse to support CarPlay, then no, it isn't for each user to decide on their own. Rivian is forcing their subscription, even if the user was okay with what CP offered.

The choice is whether to purchase the vehicle or not. Same as the range, charging, or any other attribute in comparison to the alternatives.

 

[Toadkillerdog]

The choice is whether to purchase the vehicle or not. Same as the range, charging, or any other attribute in comparison to the alternatives.

Absolutely correct. This vehicle is awesome

 

[KurtP]

I have always thought that Rivian (a new car company) is missing a major opportunity by not supporting Android Auto (and Car play).
Google is providing significant feature updates to AA which leverage it's powerful AI Assistant and integration with messaging/collaboration and media apps on the phone - the phone that continues my (now walking) navigation and music even after I park at a garage in the city and have to walk another few blocks to a restaurant or client appointment.

Google just announced the updates for December and the 2 I would love to see supported by Rivian are mentioned below:
"

The best of Android, on the road
Whether you're driving home for the holidays or simply going to the store for some last-minute groceries, a suite of updates enhances just how helpful Android can be on the road.

Reply to messages in the car with a tap
You can now set Android Auto to launch automatically when you connect your Android phone to your compatible car to stay connected on every drive. And once you’re on the road, Android Auto helps you get things done so you can stay focused on the road. With smart reply options coming soon, you can respond to a text message more easily with the Google Assistant on Android Auto — simply tap to respond or create a custom message. And you can listen to your favorite music with a single tap of the new always-on play button, right on the Home screen. Coming soon, you’ll be able to use your voice to search for music faster in your media apps on Android Auto. Just tap the new search icon and say your favorite artist or song for easy listening.

Use your phone as a car key
We also continue to introduce new ways to bring your phone and car closer together. Starting today, you can use your Android phone to lock, unlock and even start your compatible car. Digital car key is now available in select countries on Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S21 for compatible BMW cars.
"

The new digital Phone key standard and benefits beyond vanilla NFC and Bluetooth was already discussed here:
https://www.rivianforums.com/forum/threads/uwb-digital-car-key-support.1975/

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