Rumors about Apple developing a car have been circulating for quite some time now. While leaks about the project and news of auto-related hires have hinted at the company’s involvement in the automobile industry, Apple has never officially confirmed its plans for building a car.
The latest buzz about Apple’s car project comes from Mark Gurman, a trusted source for Apple news, who reported for Bloomberg that the tech giant has shifted its focus towards a less ambitious design for its automobile. Initially, Apple was believed to be working on a fully driverless electric car, but later revised its plan to include advanced driverless features for highways. Now, the company has pivoted yet again, aiming to create an electric vehicle with basic driver-assistance features in line with current Tesla capabilities, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Gurman also mentioned that the planned vehicle would have Level 2+ autonomy, offering steering and brake acceleration support for lane centering and adaptive cruise control, as opposed to the originally intended Level 4 technology, which is closer to full autonomy, and the even earlier planned Level 5, featuring full autonomy.
It is reported that Apple is targeting a 2028 launch for the car, postponing the project by two years from the most recent estimate. The move to a less ambitious design is described as a crucial moment for the project, with top executives potentially reconsidering its existence if the latest plan falls through.
The envisioned Apple car is expected to stand out for its sleek design, advanced safety systems, and unique user interface, according to Gurman. However, it is uncertain whether Apple will partner with another automaker to manufacture the car or if it will go solo.
Amidst its efforts to build a car, Apple has faced challenges such as layoffs and changes in key personnel, causing disruption and delays along the way. As a result, caution is advised when considering this latest plan for the vehicle, and the day when Apple CEO Tim Cook drives onto the stage in an Apple car seems to be a distant prospect, if it comes to fruition at all.
