Exclusive from Bloomberg
Apple has moved to a simpler, less ambitious Apple Car design to bring the car to market, Bloomberg reports.
Apple originally wanted to create a self-driving car with fully autonomous capabilities, but is now developing an electric car with fewer functions.
Apple will now focus on driver assistance features that are similar to Tesla's Autopilot (Level 2+ system). Level 2 autonomous driving includes steering and braking/acceleration support, but the driver maintains control of the vehicle and must be alert.
The Apple Car launch schedule has been adjusted. Apple wanted to introduce the car sometime in 2026, but Apple now plans to release it no earlier than 2028. According to Bloomberg, this is a «turning point» for Apple Car. If the company fails to produce an electric vehicle with this feature set, executives may «seriously reconsider the existence of the project».
Since the Apple Car went into development in 2014, the project has changed and evolved several times. Rumors suggested that Apple had ditched the car altogether, focusing instead on an autonomous system, but Apple appears to be sticking with plans to release a full-fledged car.
Apple Watch chief Kevin Lynch took over the project and worked with Tim Cook to adopt a new strategy after pressure from Apple's board of directors. Apple is now meeting with potential partners in Europe to discuss the new plan.