The tech giant Apple is known worldwide for its tech-based products such as the iPhone, MacBook, and iPod. But what if we told you that Apple is going to make a car very soon? It is 2021, after all, and everything and anything is possible at this point. In recent news, Apple has announced that it has been in talks with Korean automotive giant Hyundai to create the next generation electric car.
The two companies have held meetings over the past few weeks to come up with a partnership agreement. Apple hopes to sign a deal by March 2021 and begin production as soon as 2024. What is the biggest selling point? Well, the answer is simple. Apple involves itself in the project since cars have now become a big part of the tech industry.
The concept of smart and connected cars has brought a flurry of tech companies into the mix. The likes of Tesla, Uber, and Lyft self-driving lab have urged Apple to make its move and conquer the EV market as they have mesmerized the tech industry. Apple hopes to create an AI system that will bring forward the dream of automated cars into the realm of reality.
Yes, you read that right, Hyundai and Apple are teaming up to make a self-driving car that you will charge at home or out in a public charging space. You won't have to drive the vehicle, and neither would you need a chauffeur. The A.I will do all the driving for you in the safest way possible.
All you would have to do is put in your destination, and the car will transport you to your destination in no time. Tesla is the direct competitor to Apple in this regard as they have also been working to achieve fully autonomous driving.
Updated September 2022: We have updated this article with the latest developments happening in Apple's supposed automobile indulgence. While most of the details still remain vague, we now have a clearer picture than ever of what and when to expect to see the very anticipated Apple electric car.
The way things are going, we can expect to see self-driving cars taking over the roads by the end of this decade.
Collaborative Companies In Mind
Apple is not one to gamble on its future, so they are looking at several car companies. The one that best fits their needs will get the rights for the project. The American tech giant approached EV start-up Canoo to see their willingness to jump on the project. The California-based start-up is an attractive option for Apple since both companies have similar goals in mind.
Interestingly, Canoo has had talks with Hyundai before, and these two companies have their own separate agreement. It is hard to tell if Canoo influenced Apple to look toward Hyundai for the partnership, but it seems likely since the two companies have had a history together. Plus Hyundai has its own budding EV vehicle line-up which includes the Ioniq 5.
A Bit Of Uncertainty Ahead
Apple is working hard towards its EV target, but many believe that the 2024 target will be difficult to achieve. Some reports suggest that their vehicle might be introduced in 2027 instead, but we will only know for sure once the 'beta' version arrives on the market.
Apple is under constant pressure from its rivals to come up with a viable solution in record time. The company has had a few setbacks in its development, but it has bounced back considerably, and the recent advancements suggest that the EV program is heading in the right direction.
Conflict Of Interest
Whether Apple is capable of making an EV or not is still a matter up for discussion. Many believe that the tech giant should focus on its own industry and leave carmaking to professionals. However, the automotive and technology industries have changed so much over the years that they have practically become one entity.
In such a situation, will Apple prefer to stay with its roots and remain in the tech industry or branch off into the world of automobiles to try its hand at other projects? Only time will tell the outcome, but the approach looks strong. Moreover, if ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft are moving in this direction, why shouldn’t Apple?
After all, Apple has more experience when it comes to technology. They have the capital and investment to support such an operation and some cushion to safeguard them if the whole idea fails.
Latest Updates On The Apple Car Development
The latest news on the proposed Apple car puts a whole new perspective on what to expect. New reports claim that Apple has picked up Lamborghini executive Luigi Taraborrelli to head the Apple Car's design journey. Things might speed up further with reports claiming that Apple has also managed to bring in Desi Ujkashevic from Ford. She was the global director of automotive safety engineering at Ford before joining Apple.
There are also rumors that Apple might look into buying the EV startup Canoo as they are in deep financial trouble. This can also result in the whole Canoo team working for the Apple automobile development. But at the same time, there are rumors of Apple dissolving the car development team due to internal issues. With details being as vague as always, 2025 will show us what's true.
Sources: Appleinsider, Hyundai, Apple