RivianOS 2 Launches With AI Features, New UI and Smarter R1 and R2 Vehicles

Rivian is giving its electric vehicles a major software upgrade with RivianOS 2. The new platform brings the company’s R1 and R2 vehicles onto a shared software foundation while adding a redesigned interface, smarter navigation and new AI-powered features.

The update is being delivered through software, showing how modern electric vehicles can gain new capabilities long after they leave the factory.

A new software experience for Rivian vehicles

RivianOS 2 introduces a redesigned cabin interface with quicker access to important controls. Drivers can place quick controls and the media player on either side of the display, while a new vertical status bar makes vehicle functions easier to reach.

The Settings section has also been rebuilt. It now includes context-aware controls and universal search, making it easier to find a particular vehicle setting without searching through multiple menus.

Newer R2 and second-generation R1 vehicles also use Unreal Engine 5 to create real-time 3D visualisations of the vehicle and its surroundings. Older first-generation R1 models continue using Unreal Engine 4 to maintain a responsive experience on their existing hardware.

AI is becoming a bigger part of the driving experience

One of the biggest changes is Rivian Unified Intelligence, the company’s AI foundation for vehicle, mobile and service experiences.

The system powers expanded voice features through the Hey Rivian assistant. On newer R2 and second-generation R1 vehicles, some AI processing can happen directly on the vehicle for lower response times. Other R1 models receive expanded cloud-assisted voice capabilities.

Rivian has also added Real-Time Route Alerts that can show information about police presence and speed cameras through Google Maps data. The information can come from authorities, third-party sources and community contributions.

Connect+ subscribers also get a dedicated weather app with real-time conditions, air-quality information and forecasts for up to 10 days. Mobile Live Trips lets users start, view and update active trips from the Rivian smartphone app.

More control over personal data

Rivian is also giving drivers more control over how their information is used. RivianOS 2 allows users to manage voice-assistant wake words, location sharing and driver-profile data.

The update is now rolling out to eligible R1 and R2 vehicles through the 2026.31 software release. Rivian says the shared software platform will make it easier to deliver future improvements across its vehicle lineup while still allowing features to vary depending on the hardware in each model.

RivianOS 2 shows how the next generation of connected vehicles is becoming increasingly software-driven. Instead of waiting for a new model to introduce better technology, existing vehicles can receive meaningful improvements through over-the-air updates.

As AI becomes more deeply integrated into cars, features such as voice assistants, intelligent navigation and on-device processing could become just as important to the ownership experience as battery range and charging speed.

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