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Apple is now targeting its own electric car for 2028
An Apple test car converted into a self-driving vehicle can be seen in Silicon Valley. According to a media report, the group is now targeting the market launch of an electric car with driving assistance functions in 2028 instead of first completing software for autonomous driving
© Andrej Sokolow/dpa
The electronics company Apple wants to bring its own electric car onto the market in 2028. According to media reports, the company should concentrate on a driving assistance function and could thus compete with Tesla.
There have been rumors surrounding Apple’s car project for years. The group is said to have shown initial prototypes to potential partners from the automotive industry years ago, but then, according to media reports, it was decided to focus on software for autonomous driving. All that is definitely known is that Apple is sending test cars converted into self-driving vehicles onto the streets in Silicon Valley. Former Tesla manager Doug Field, who was appointed project manager, went to Ford in 2021, where he is responsible for the electric car business.
One reason for Field’s departure was his doubts that Apple would even bring itself to bring a vehicle onto the market, wrote Bloomberg. The group had been working on drive technology as well as interior and exterior design for years, it said. The company’s hope is to complete a complete vehicle prototype with the reduced goals. Apple has already discussed the new approach with potential production partners in Europe, wrote Bloomberg.
Apple could compete with Tesla
Driving assistance technology can, among other things, maintain lane and distance as well as carry out overtaking maneuvers. However, the driver remains responsible and must be ready to take back control at any time. According to media reports, Apple actually didn’t want to bring its car onto the market until the software was ready for largely autonomous driving. But then the group realized that it would not be able to do this in the foreseeable future.
With driving assistance features, an Apple car would be more similar to today’s vehicles from Tesla and other manufacturers. According to Bloomberg, the company plans to upgrade capabilities later. With a launch in 2028, Apple would not be the first electronics company with its own car: Sony wants to bring its electric vehicle, developed jointly with Honda, onto the market under the brand name Afeela in 2026.