Apple Car: From Design to Release, Here’s Everything We Know So Far

Design, sensors, batteries and more

When Apple decided to enter the automobile industry in 2014, the fans had mixed reactions. But now, the anticipation for the Apple vehicle has risen considerably. From design to release, here is everything we know about the Apple Car.

 

Apple Car 

The Design

As the design is an essential element of a vehicle, let us start with that. The details of Apple Car design are not out yet, but Tim Cook did give a hint about it in 2017 when he was quoted saying, “We’re focusing on autonomous systems. It’s a core technology that we view as very important… We sort of see it as the mother of all AI projects.”

This statement confirms that Apple will develop an AI system for cars and hopes to create a completely autonomous vehicle in the future.

 

The Sensors

A report from a reputed publication had previously confirmed that Apple is looking for a next-gen LiDAR supplier. For those who are unaware, LiDAR is an advanced sensor technology that is already a part of many iPhones. It might enable the Apple Car to see its surroundings and might help with self-driving as well.

 

The Battery

It is clear that the Apple car will be an electric vehicle. In addition to that, the brand might also come up with a unique battery that will boost the range of the vehicle while also ensuring that the overall cost of electric vehicle batteries reduces. It might go for a monocell design that gets rids of pouches and modules while bulking up the cell in the battery.

 

The Smart Lighting

Apple Car might also have smart lighting that will wake you up when you approach your destination. It will also use sensors and cameras to help you see every nook and corner of the vehicle and maybe find your phone that you dropped on the floor while you dozed off.

 

The Windows

The Apple car might also have automatic tinting windows by using glass technology that can change the transparency of windows. So, you will have better control over the windows. In addition to that, the windows might also tint automatically when a weather change is detected.

 

The Bumpers

According to some patents filed in 2016, the Apple car might also have retractable bumpers with an inflatable portion that can extend out by using pressurized gas. It will offer soft initial contact in case of an impact.

 

The Partners

Apple might not manufacture the Apple car. It can seek the help of partners like Magna, Groupe PSA, GM and the current reports suggests that LG and Magna’s e-Powertrain could potentially be signing  a contract with Apple to handle its initial run of Apple Car production.

Apple might also take the help of TSMC to provide chips for the Apple car. For those who are unaware, the company provides A-series chips in the iPhones. These chips for the vehicle need to meet Level 4 or Level 5 chip requirements.

 

The Team

To make the Apple car a reality, it has hired a former Tesla engineer, Doug Field. It has also hired Ulrich Kranz, a former member of BMW. Some other people working on the project are Steve MacManus, Stuart Bowers, Andrew Kim, and Michael Schwekutsch, who worked for Tesla, and Manfred Harrer, who worked for Volkswagen.

 

The Release Date

Though the release of the Apple car has been pushed away many times already, it is likely you will not see the vehicle for the next few years. It might be unveiled in 2024 if Apple speeds things up. But it is more likely that the car will be unveiled only in 2025-2027.

 

After all, after designing the Apple car, the company must ensure that it is manufactured right and goes through rigorous testing. If the vehicle is going to release years from now, Apple sure has the opportunity to make it unique and use all the technologies we have seen in sci-fi films till now. We would keep posting about the latest updates, leaks, and official news about the much-anticipated car. Keep checking this website for more info.

When the Apple car is launched, it would have to be unique as it will face stiff competition from models like Tesla Model S Plaid that have already made an impression and surprised car lovers.

 

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