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Will an Apple-branded car really emerge? |
After a period in which Apple appeared to be dialling down its automotive ambitions, a report has emerged suggesting the company is once again eyeing a car of its own and planning market launch as soon as 2024.
Reuters reported that Apple is moving forward with self-driving car technology and is targeting 2024 to produce a passenger vehicle. The news agency cited anonymous sources that were familiar with the matter. The report also said the project could include ‘breakthrough battery technology’.
Apple’s automotive project is named Project Titan, but progress and ultimate aims have seemed uncertain in recent years amid layoffs and reported disagreements on strategy within Apple.
The Reuters report said Apple has now progressed the project far enough to build a vehicle for consumers.
The report also suggested that a new battery design and technology is central to the strategy and that it could both reduce the cost of batteries and increase the vehicle’s range.
Apple would be expected to identify a manufacturing partner to build the vehicle, following the contracting out manufacturing model it has adopted with its iPhone. Apple is also said to be searching for suppliers for key self-driving components such as LiDAR sensors.