The Long History Of The Apple Car From The Steve Jobs Era Has Not Yet Materialized
JAKARTA - Apple Car is a self-driving car project that has long been a rumor from the technology giant from Cupertino, USA. This could be a vehicle or a self-driving software system available in other car brands.
The Daily Mirror reports that Apple has enlisted the services of an outside partner for elements of its cars, including lidar sensors, which help self-driving cars get a 3D view of the road, said a source with knowledge of Apple's plans beforehand.
The Apple Car is rumored to be powered by a breakthrough 'monocell' battery technology that can radically reduce costs and increase vehicle range before recharging is required.
It's still unclear who will assemble the Apple-branded cars, but sources say they expect the company to rely on manufacturing partners to build the vehicles.
Apple Car Schedule
Although little is known about the development and progress of the Apple Car, rumors have long circulated:
2008 — Apple CEO Steve Jobs first expressed interest in the Apple Car following the launch of the original iPhone and the launch of Tesla Motor's first car, according to iPod inventor Tony Fadell and Apple board member Mickey Drexler.
2014 — An electric car project, codenamed 'Titan' allegedly gets the green light from Apple CEO Tim Cook.
2015 — Apple is reported to have hired a new employee for the project, along with meetings with self-driving car experts and GoMentum Station, a California-based autonomous vehicle testing site. The company hired Daimler Trucks subsidiary Torc to install sensors on two Lexus SUVs in a project known internally as 'Steel'.
2016 — Bloomberg reports that Apple has decided to shift its priorities to software development to power self-driving solutions. However, sources indicate that the company is still looking to eventually build its own car.
2017 — Tim Cook admits that Apple is working on self-driving technology. Rumors arose that the company would be testing autonomous cars on California roads.
2018 — Apple registers 27 self-driving cars with the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The company entered a rumored partnership with Volkswagen to produce an autonomous electric shuttle bus. The FBI has charged a former Apple employee with stealing trade secrets related to the Titan project. In August, Apple's self-driving car was hit during road testing.
2019 — Drive.ai, an autonomous vehicle startup, is acquired by Apple.
2020 — Reuters reports that Apple is working on a possible launch of the Apple Car in 2024.
2021 — The scuttlebutt industry says Apple is in talks with Hyundai and Kia to jointly produce self-driving electric cars, but vehicle manufacturers deny this. More rumors have surfaced about a 2024 launch goal – this time in collaboration with Toyota and its Korean partner.