Rivian started rolling out its 2026.03 software update this week to all R1T pickup trucks and R1S SUVs on the road. The update adds Sport Mode to every vehicle, sharpens acceleration, and brings new ways to control the cars. It hits both older Gen 1 models and newer Gen 2 ones through over-the-air delivery. Owners asked for these changes for a long time. Rivian listened and made them happen.
Key Takeaways
- Sport Mode now works on all Dual-Motor R1T and R1S vehicles, giving quicker throttle response and better handling.
- Launch Mode expands to more models, including Gen 1 Quad-Motor and Performance Dual-Motor setups, for faster 0-60 times on tracks.
- Apple Watch app lets owners lock, unlock, and use the car as a digital key without their phone nearby.
- Kneel Mode gets upgrades, dropping the vehicle lower for easy entry even on uneven ground or while moving slow.
Background
Rivian makes electric trucks and SUVs built for adventure. The R1T pickup and R1S SUV came out a few years back. Gen 1 models launched first. Gen 2 arrived with some hardware tweaks last year. Both lines share the same software backbone. That lets Rivian push updates wirelessly, just like Tesla does.
Owners have pushed for better performance modes since day one. Sport Mode was once limited to top trims like Quad-Motor or Performance packs. Dual-Motor buyers, the most common setup, missed out. They wanted the same punchy feel on highways and twisty roads. Rivian tracked those requests on forums and apps.
The company also eyed Apple Watch fans. iPhone users already control some features from their phones. But Watches offer quick glances at battery or climate without pulling out a device. Rivian built the app from scratch to work on both generations.
This update, called 2026.03 or "Cold Snap," builds on past ones. Earlier versions fixed bugs and added trail modes. Now it focuses on daily drives and fun. Rollout began late this week. It phases in by vehicle to avoid server overload. Most owners see it in days.
But wait. Not every feature fits all cars. Dual-Motor gets Sport. Quad-Motor adds Launch. Battery types matter too. NMC packs in Gen 1 get tuned power. LFP in Gen 2 Dual Standard does the same. Rivian engineers tested each combo.
And there's more. Rock Crawl mode speeds up to 33 mph on Quad-Motor Gen 1. That helps weave through rocks without switching modes. Drive settings won't cut off hands-free cruise anymore. Small wins add up.
Key Details
The update packs several changes. Let's break them down.
Sport Mode Expansion
Sport Mode hits all Dual-Motor R1T and R1S. No more waiting for high-end gear. It sharpens the gas pedal feel. Steering tightens up. The car hugs corners better. All-wheel drive kicks in smoother.
You pick ride height now. Standard works fine. No auto-drop. Choose Firm or Moderate feel. Firm bites hard on pavement. Moderate smooths bumps. Owners who link to Google's latest AI tools for daily tech say this matches software smarts in phones.
Gen 1 NMC batteries get optimized juice. Gen 2 LFP follows suit. Expect quicker starts from stops. It's safe for streets. Just not for tracks.
Launch Mode for More
Launch Mode preconditions everything. Battery warms. Suspension stiffens. Torque splits to wheels. Hit brake and gas. Go.
0-60 mph drops fast. Tests show 3.19 seconds on Quad-Motor Gen 1. The screen shows stats. Quarter-mile times. Coaching tips. Use on closed tracks only. Dry roads. Check owner's guide.
Gen 1 Quad-Motor joins. Performance Dual-Motor too, both gens. Flag icon starts it in Sport Mode.
Kneel Mode Overhaul
Kneel drops the car low for steps or loading. New "Lower" setting goes one inch deeper. Works from High height. Trigger on demand under 20 mph. Quick Controls menu has a button. One tap.
It holds on 15% grades. 25% tilts. All on-road modes. No more resets from mode switches.
Apple Watch App
First time for Gen 1. Open app. LTE on. Use as digital key. Start drive sans phone. Lock. Unlock. Check status. Climate tweak. Smooth visuals via Unreal Engine.
Gen 2 had basics. This evens the field. Keep Watch foreground. Solid connection needed.
Other Tweaks
Highway Assist stays on with mode changes. Universal Hands-Free too. Rock Crawl tops 33 mph on quads. Brake regen adjusts live. Cold weather data improves range guesses.
"We're completely revamping Kneel Mode in the upcoming 2026.03 software update for Rivian Gen 1 and Gen 2." – Wassym Bensaid, Rivian Chief Software Officer
Updates install overnight. Park safe. WiFi helps. Some wait days. Track via app.
What This Means
Owners drive better now. Base models feel premium. Sport Mode brings joy to commutes. Launch tempts track days. More share Rivian's speed.
Apple Watch cuts key fobs. Families split easier. One drives. One watches kids.
Kneel helps elders or gear hauls. Lower entry. Steadier loads. Trails gain from Rock Crawl speed.
Rivian supports old hardware. Gen 1 gets love amid R2 hype. That builds loyalty. Keeps resale high.
Competitors watch. Tesla owners envy Watch keys sometimes. Ford F-150 Lightning lags on modes. Rivian pulls ahead in software pace.
Daily use smooths. No assist dropouts. Better regen saves battery. Cold snaps get real data.
Business side? Updates cost less than factory fixes. OTA scales fast. Rivian grows fleet. Software pays.
Owners chat forums. Some test Launch already. Times impress. Others praise Watch ease. Bugs? Few so far. Rivian patches quick.
And links grow. Tech like this ties to Chrome's new browser features for split views on drives.
Fleet ops benefit. Work trucks kneel easy. Performance fleets launch safe. Utility up.
Winter drivers note cold insights. Range holds truer. Plan trips better.
This sets stage for more. Rivian hints bigger 2026 pushes. R2 nears. But R1 stays fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Rivian 2026.03 update arrive?
It started this week. Phased rollout. Check your app daily. Most get it soon.
Does Sport Mode work on my Dual-Motor R1?
Yes. All Dual-Motor Gen 1 and Gen 2. Sharper throttle. Pick your ride feel.
Can I use Apple Watch as a key on Gen 1?
Yes. First time. Needs LTE and app open. Lock, unlock, start drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Rivian 2026.03 update arrive?
It started this week. Phased rollout. Check your app daily. Most get it soon.
Does Sport Mode work on my Dual-Motor R1?
Yes. All Dual-Motor Gen 1 and Gen 2. Sharper throttle. Pick your ride feel.
Can I use Apple Watch as a key on Gen 1?
Yes. First time. Needs LTE and app open. Lock, unlock, start drive.
