Rivian adds lock-screen pet monitoring to R2 vehicles
Rivian's 2026.36 software update lets R2 owners view a live feed or refreshed snapshots from the cabin camera through the Rivian app and phone lock screen. The update also allows Pet Mode to be activated remotely and adds confirmation prompts to prevent accidental changes. Rivian Assistant, an AI voice helper already available in R1 models, is also coming to the R2.
Rivian’s 2026.36 release brings Pet Cam to R2 vehicles. Using the cabin’s high-definition camera, owners can watch a continuous feed or periodically updated stills through the Rivian app, including on the phone lock screen. A tap on the car’s central screen ends the view.
The same update expands Pet Mode controls. Drivers can switch it on remotely from the app, with confirmation prompts added when toggling it to reduce accidental changes. These controls reach every Rivian model. R2 also gains Rivian Assistant, the AI voice helper previously offered in R1 vehicles, for navigation, media and climate tasks.
Pet owners with R2 vehicles could gain reassurance when briefly leaving animals in the cabin, since remote viewing and lock-screen snapshots may reduce worry. The added prompts for Pet Mode may lower the chance of accidental climate changes. Broader effects may be modest, limited to Rivian drivers, though such features could encourage other automakers to treat cabin cameras and remote controls as standard safety and convenience tools.