Rivian rolls out RivianOS 2, unifying software across R1 and R2

Rivian is rolling out RivianOS 2, the biggest overhaul of its in-car software since the R1 first shipped. For the first time, it puts every vehicle the company sells on a single software stack. The update, version 2026.31, started reaching eligible R1 and R2 vehicles today. It brings a rebuilt interface, Unreal Engine 5 graphics, real-time police and speed-camera alerts, and a deeper AI layer Rivian calls Unified Intelligence. One software stack across the whole lineup Until now, first-generation R1s, second-generation R1s, and the new R2 ran on software that had drifted apart. RivianOS 2 pulls them back together onto one common foundation. The hardware still sets limits. On the R2 and Gen 2 R1, Rivian is using Unreal Engine 5 for real-time 3D visualizations of the vehicle and its surroundings. Gen 1 R1s stay on Unreal Engine 4 to keep the screen responsive on older computing hardware. So “one stack” doesn’t mean one identical experience across the fleet, but it just got a lot closer. The charging and energy-monitor view in RivianOS 2. Source: Rivian That gap matters more as Rivian scales. The R2 is the company’s volume play, and it’s the vehicle that most needs software that feels a generation ahead of gas-powered rivals in its price range. What’s new in RivianOS 2 The interface is the most visible change. Quick controls and the media player can now sit on either side of the display, a new vertical status bar keeps key vehicle functions in reach, and the settings menu has been rebuilt from scratch as “Settings 2” with context-aware controls and universal search. RivianOS 2’s redesigned interface, with the media player repositionable on either side of the display. Source: Rivian Navigation picks up Real-Time Route Alerts, which fold police presence and speed-camera information into the map through Google Maps. Rivian says the data comes from local authorities, third-party sources, and community contributions. If that sounds like Waze, it’s probably the idea. Navigation in RivianOS 2 now surfaces real-time police and speed-camera alerts. Source: Rivian Two features land behind Rivian’s Connect+ subscription, which runs $14.99 a month or $149.99 a year: a dedicated weather app with real-time conditions, air quality, and a 10-day forecast, and Mobile Live Trips, which let you start, view, and update an active trip from the Rivian phone app. Then there’s the AI layer. RivianOS 2 leans on Rivian Unified Intelligence, the same foundation behind the “Hey Rivian” assistant that can control the vehicle directly. The R2 and Gen 2 R1 use hybrid edge compute for low-latency processing on the vehicle, while Gen 1 and Gen 2 R1 both get expanded cloud-assisted voice. Rivian is also giving owners more control over their data. Across all generations, you can toggle hotword wake-words, limit location sharing, and adjust what driver-profile data the car keeps. Electrek’s Take I need to spend more time in Rivian vehicles. The software looks like it has improved by leaps and bounds, and it looks stunning in those images. It’s not hard to understand why Volkswagen partnered with them for software. However, that deal might hit some rough times now that the German brand is scaling back its own operations after difficult financial times. Our colleague Chance at 9to5mac is getting an R2 shortly. He might do a series about his experience on Electrek, so keep an eye out for that. If you’re driving a Rivian, or any EV, powering it with home solar can cut your fueling costs to nearly zero. With electricity rates up almost 10% last year and expected to keep climbing, going solar is one of the best ways to protect yourself against rising costs. And with lease and PPA options, you can do it with zero upfront cost and start saving immediately. If you want to find the best deal, check out EnergySage. It’s a free service with hundreds of pre-vetted installers competing for your business, so you save 20 to 30% compared to going it alone. No sales calls until you pick an installer. Get your free quotes here. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.