Rivian R2 Gets Live Pet Cam in Update, AI Assistant, and More

Rivian is rolling out software update 2026.36, introducing a live Pet Cam feature exclusive to the R2 and bringing the Rivian AI Assistant to the compact SUV. The update also adds remote controls for Pet Mode across the R1 lineup, though access to live streaming requires a paid subscription.

What Happened

The new Pet Cam feature utilizes the R2’s high-definition RGB interior cabin camera to provide owners with a full-color live video feed via the Rivian app. Users can access this stream through the Gear Guard section, which displays a badge showing the current cabin temperature. Alternatively, the app and phone lock screens provide periodic still images of the cabin without requiring a live stream. Rivian noted that more than 60% of its owners travel with dogs, citing this statistic as a primary driver for the feature's development. To address privacy concerns, occupants inside the vehicle can terminate the live stream with a single tap on the center display.

While the live video feed is restricted to the R2, R1T and R1S owners receive remote control capabilities for Pet Mode. Previously, users had to activate Pet Mode before leaving the vehicle; now, they can enable it from the app after walking away. The app includes a confirmation step to prevent accidental deactivation of the climate control. The Rivian AI Assistant, which had been available on R1 models since May, is also arriving on the R2 with this update. The assistant allows users to adjust climate settings, control media, navigate, and answer general questions by pressing a steering wheel button, tapping a display icon, or using the wake phrase "Hey, Rivian."

Why It Matters

The introduction of these features highlights Rivian's strategy to differentiate its vehicles through software capabilities while generating recurring revenue. The live camera functionality is not a standard inclusion; Rivian’s Connect+ page lists "remote camera livestreaming" as a paid feature, costing $14.99 per month or $149.99 annually. This subscription model mirrors Tesla’s Premium Connectivity plan, which charges $9.99 per month for similar remote camera access. The fine print for Rivian's service caps Gear Guard Live Cam at one hour of streaming per day and specifies that interior viewing is only available when Pet Mode is enabled and is not intended for monitoring people.

The delay in delivering the Rivian Assistant to the R2 is also notable. Although the assistant was launched for R1 owners in May and was expected to be available on the R2 at the start of customer deliveries in June, it has arrived four months later. This timeline underscores the challenges automakers face in synchronizing software rollouts across different vehicle platforms, even after the R1 and R2 were unified onto a single software stack with RivianOS 2 in the previous month.

The Bottom Line

Rivian update 2026.36 begins rolling out to eligible R1 and R2 vehicles today, adding live Pet Cam for R2 owners and remote Pet Mode controls for the entire lineup. While the new AI Assistant and camera features enhance convenience for owners, access to live streaming and the assistant requires a Connect+ subscription, aligning Rivian’s software monetization strategy with competitors like Tesla.