Rivian CEO explains rejecting Apple CarPlay for an AI-driven, unified interface

Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe once again explained on the Decoder podcast why the company is refusing to support Apple CarPlay, a feature many modern car owners actively seek.

He said Rivian is deliberately skipping CarPlay to retain full control over the vehicle’s digital interface and deliver a unified, cohesive experience without forcing drivers to toggle between the car’s system and Apple’s interface. Scaringe expressed confidence that users would appreciate this approach over time. The logic is clear: fewer handoffs usually mean fewer distractions.

At the center of Rivian’s case is artificial intelligence. The company plans to weave AI deeply into the car—from assessing vehicle health and learning driver preferences to automating how apps work together. According to Scaringe, that vision cannot be realized if the connective layer between services is dictated by Apple. The ambition calls for tight integration, something third‑party shells rarely enable.

He added that Rivian maintains excellent relations with Apple: support for a digital key and messaging features is coming soon, though CarPlay is clearly not on the list. The only question is whether drivers will embrace the strategy—or simply buy a Tesla.