Rivian R2 Adds Lock-Screen Pet Cam in 2026.36 Software Update
Rivian's 2026.36 update lets R2 owners watch a live Pet Cam feed or refreshed snapshots of their pets from the phone lock screen, and adds remote Pet Mode controls plus the Rivian Assistant voice AI.
The feature, called Pet Cam, uses the R2's high-definition interior camera to show the cabin inside the Rivian app. Owners who want continuous coverage can open a full livestream, while those who only want a quick check can view a regularly refreshed snapshot on the app dashboard or on the phone's lock screen. The camera can be stopped by tapping the vehicle's main display.
The same update expands Pet Mode, which Rivian already offered for animal-friendly climate control when the driver leaves the car. Pet Mode can now be switched on remotely from the Rivian app, so owners who forget to enable it before stepping out can still do so. Rivian is also adding a confirmation prompt when Pet Mode is toggled on or off through the app, intended to avoid accidental changes that could put a pet at risk. Those controls will be available in all of the company's models, not only the R2.
Beyond the pet-related features, the 2026.36 release marks the debut of Rivian Assistant on R2 vehicles. The AI voice assistant is already available in the R1 line and can be directed to handle navigation, entertainment and climate tasks inside the vehicle.