We were talking about minivans
Mark Gurman from Bloomberg said that Apple initially aimed for Level 5 autonomy – without steering wheel and pedals – and the main Apple Car prototypes looked not like sports cars, but like minivans.
Apple has focused on maximizing interior space to create an environment reminiscent of a private jet.
The overall idea was a minimalist interface combined with seats that would normally be seen in a private jet or limousine. I was told that inside it felt like you were in a «outline bubble». This incarnation of the car could comfortably seat four people, and the seats could be "switched"" between regular chairs, reclining chairs and footrests.
Mark Gurman
It was this task that prompted Apple designers to create a minivan: «The design of the Apple car around 2020 was reminiscent of the Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle — a futuristic van with rounded edges, but it had dark black windows with adjustable tint. It had an all-glass sunroof, a pure white body, and tires with white walls and black centers. The front and rear were identical, so it always felt like you were driving forward».
The other designs were «almost identical» Volkswagen ID. 2017 Buzz: «The earlier design, dreamed up by the legendary Jony Ive, looked like a modern reincarnation of a 1950s Volkswagen minibus. Within the company it was called «Bread Roll». The second version was its development and looked almost identical to the Volkswagen ID prototype. Buzz 2017. This design was shown off inside Apple long before VW announced its concept, and it may not be a coincidence. Some employees left Apple's automotive group for Volkswagen in the mid-2010s».
The last full version returned to the ID appearance. Buzz, but replaced the sliding doors with gullwing doors. Tesla style.