Rivian, a prominent player in the electric vehicle market, has decided to take a different route when it comes to in-car connectivity. Rather than offering traditional phone mirroring features like Apple CarPlay, the company has opted to introduce a new software update that includes built-in Apple Music streaming support. This move aims to provide customers with seamless connectivity options while maintaining control over the overall vehicle experience.
The Need for Connect Plus Subscription
In order to access native app experiences like Apple Music and streaming connectivity, owners of Rivian’s Gen 2 vehicles will be required to subscribe to the company’s Connect Plus service. This subscription, which was introduced in June, ensures that users can enjoy features such as spatial audio and Dolby Atmos, enhancing their overall driving experience. Additionally, Connect Plus enables access to the vehicle’s built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing for on-the-go media streaming.
Transition from Rivian Membership to Connect Plus
While some Rivian owners have been accustomed to accessing data services through the Rivian Membership program, the company has announced its plans to phase out this offering. Moving forward, all R1T and R1S vehicle owners will need to subscribe to Connect Plus in order to continue utilizing media apps such as Spotify and TuneIn. This transition may come as a surprise to Gen 1 owners who have been enjoying these features without the need for an additional subscription.
Free Trial and Subscription Pricing
To help ease the transition to Connect Plus, Rivian is offering a two-month free trial to all owners starting today. This trial period will allow users to test out the new connectivity features, including Apple Music streaming, before committing to a subscription. Once the trial period ends, Connect Plus will be available for $14.99 per month or $149.99 annually, providing users with continued access to a range of in-car entertainment options.
Rivian is not the only automaker that is pivoting towards offering connectivity subscriptions to customers. Tesla, another key player in the electric vehicle market, recently shifted from providing unlimited data to introducing a Premium subscription service at $99 per year. Both companies have opted not to offer CarPlay or Android Auto, which enable phone mirroring on the vehicle’s display, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control over the user experience.
For customers who are not keen on subscribing to a connectivity service, RivianTrackr suggests that native media apps can still be used when connected to a separate Wi-Fi hotspot. Additionally, users can opt to mount their phones and connect via Bluetooth for a more traditional audio experience. These alternatives provide flexibility for users who prefer not to pay extra for in-car entertainment options.
The shift towards connectivity subscriptions in electric vehicles represents a growing trend in the automotive industry. Companies like Rivian are adapting to the changing needs of consumers by offering seamless in-car connectivity options while also providing control over the overall user experience. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how other automakers follow suit and introduce similar subscription-based models to enhance the driving experience.
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