Subvolts take Rivian's software chief details a future without CarPlay or buttons, driven by AI. May 28, 2026 - Developers
- Learn how an EV company approaches software integration and AI for a unique user experience.
- Business
- Understand Rivian's strategy for differentiating its vehicles through software and partnerships.
- Everyday users
- Discover the future of car interfaces, including AI voice assistants and the potential absence of familiar features.
This episode features a deep dive into a car company's software strategy, including AI integration and user interface design.
Rivian's software chief thinks you don't need CarPlay or buttons
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From Subvolts
Summary and analysis by Subvolts editorial, AI-assisted.
Nilay Patel interviews Wassym Bensaid, Rivian's chief software officer and co-CEO of its joint venture with Volkswagen. They discuss Rivian's software strategy, including its AI-powered voice assistant and the decision to skip CarPlay. The conversation also touches on the Rivian/VW partnership and the future of in-car interfaces, questioning the necessity of physical buttons.
Rivian's software boss talks about building a new kind of car experience. He explains why they are skipping popular features like Apple CarPlay and physical buttons, instead focusing on smart voice controls and software that learns. This matters because it shows how cars are becoming more like computers on wheels.
This episode offers insight into how a major EV manufacturer is rethinking the in-car user experience, moving towards AI-driven interfaces and away from traditional controls like CarPlay and physical buttons. It's for consumers interested in the future of automotive tech and industry professionals observing how companies innovate beyond established standards. Listeners can see how Rivian's approach to software and AI compares to broader industry trends, particularly in how AI is integrated into consumer products.
- HostNilay Patel
- GuestWassym BensaidChief Software Officer, Rivian
- Guest: Wassym Bensaid, Chief Software Officer at Rivian
- Show: Decoder with Nilay Patel
- Length: 70 minutes
- Rivian/VW JV: RV Tech, about a year and a half old
- In-car buttons: Considered an 'anomaly' by Rivian's chief software officer
Today, I’m talking with Wassym Bensaid, the chief software officer at Rivian, and the co-ceo of Rivian’s platform joint venture with Volkswagen. That joint venture, called RV Tech, is about a year and a half old, so I wanted to ask Wassym how it all works and Rivian’s ongoing relationship with Volkswagen.
Because it’s Rivian, I also had to ask Wassym about CarPlay. But the company also just launched an AI-powered voice assistant, which I got to try early. So I had a lot of fun digging into that with Wassym, too. This is a fun one – really in the weeds of a lot of my favorite things to talk about.
Links:
- Rivian’s AI-powered voice assistant is ready to roll | The Verge
- The R2 is nearly here — can Rivian stick the landing? | The Verge
- Rivian’s AI pivot is about more than chasing Tesla | The Verge
- Rivian / VW will start testing their first EVs next year | The Verge
- Rivian CEO: ‘We’re really convicted’ about skipping CarPlay | Decoder (2025)
- Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe says too many carmakers are copying Tesla | Decoder (2024)
- Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe isn't scared of the Cybertruck | Decoder (2023)
- Rivian’s chief software officer says in-car buttons are ‘an anomaly’ | TechCrunch
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Credits:
Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.
Decoder is produced by Kate Cox and Nick Statt,. This episode was edited by Xander Adams. Our editorial director is Kevin McShane.
The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.
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- CarPlay
- Nilay Patel
- A system that lets you use your iPhone's apps on your car's display.
Questions people ask
- What is Rivian's stance on Apple CarPlay?
- Rivian's CEO is convicted about skipping CarPlay, believing their in-house software can provide a better experience.
- What is the Rivian/Volkswagen joint venture?
- The joint venture, RV Tech, is about a year and a half old and focuses on EV platforms.
Page generated Oct 19, 2026. Summaries are Subvolts' own; the audio, artwork and notes belong to The Verge.