Tim Cook Teases Apple Car: 'It's Going to Be Christmas Eve for a While'

[MacRumors]

Apple CEO Tim Cook has remained tight lipped about the so-called "Apple Car," but today he dropped a hint about the much-rumored electric vehicle at the company's annual shareholders meeting in Cupertino (via Business Insider).

Do you remember when you were a kid, and Christmas Eve it was so exciting, you weren't sure what was going to be downstairs? Well, it's going to be Christmas Eve for a while.

Cook's comment suggests that, if such a project exists, the purported "Apple Car" will not be publicly revealed for quite some time -- in line with reports claiming Apple is currently targeting a 2019 or 2020 production date.

Apple has recruited hundreds of engineers from Tesla, Ford, GM, Samsung, A123 Systems, Nvidia, and elsewhere, likely to work on the purported car project, which has allegedly been called "Project Titan" internally. Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently said it is an "open secret" that Apple is developing an electric car, based on its number of recent automotive-related hirings.

Other evidence that points towards Apple's interest in the automotive industry includes its discussions with a secure Bay Area testing facility for connected and autonomous vehicles and its meeting with the California DMV to review self-driving vehicle regulations in 2015. More recently, Sunnyvale residents have reported hearing loud "motor"-sounding noises at night on a campus where Apple leases at least one building.

When questioned about the "Apple Car" in a recent interview, Cook provided a more elaborate non-answer:

Yeah, I'm probably not going to do that. The great thing about being here is we're curious people. We explore technologies, and we explore products.

And we're always thinking about ways that Apple can make great products that people love, that help them in some way. And we don't go into very many categories, as you know. We edit very much. We talk about a lot of things and do fewer. We debate many things and do a lot fewer.

Apple's internal "Project Titan" team has reportedly faced some obstacles over the past month. In January, supposed "Apple Car" project lead Steve Zadesky informed colleagues that he would be leaving the company for personal reasons. Then, just a few days later, it was reported the "Apple Car" team is on a hiring freeze as Apple executives are unhappy with the progress being made on the development of the vehicle.

Other news out of Apple's shareholders meeting today includes the company's commitment to customer privacy and raising its dividends annually. Cook also hinted that now is a "great opportunity" for Apple to acquire smaller technology companies. He said Apple has made 19 acquisitions in the past 15 months.

Article Link: Tim Cook Teases Apple Car: 'It's Going to Be Christmas Eve for a While'

 

[H2SO4]

Cars are expensive enough, why do we need an Apple tax in addition to all the other taxes associated with them?

 

[sniffies]

That's a perfect movie title starring Bill Murray.

 

[bpeeps]

Queue jokes/complaints related to other products and how Apple can't get that right so they shouldn't be working on a car.

 

[DUCKofD3ATH]

Coming soon: Apple's all-electric automobile!*

*Batteries not included.

 

[Cougarcat]

And then it's going to be me not winning the lottery to be able to afford one in perpetuity.

 

[kevinkyoo]

2019 or 2020? Good. Please first focus on fixing the software and hardware on your computers, phones, and watches before venturing and expanding out more than you can afford to

 

[Popeye206]

Jokes aside, I'm excited about what Apple might be able to do here. I would think it's going to be more than just "all electric" as being the main feature. I'm sure they'll work in "pinch to move", "swipe to turn", and even some force touch features like "nudge to park"?

Oh... a feature I really want... red turtle shells that circle my car... if you know what I mean.

 

[firewood]

Tim said there are more iOS developers in China than any other country. Something he said about him learning to take better photos got the biggest laugh.

 

[hybroid]

How did you infer an Apple Car from that quote??

Do you remember when you were a kid, and Christmas Eve it was so exciting, you weren't sure what was going to be downstairs? Well, it's going to be Christmas Eve for a while.

That could mean anything. Might be a 1TB iPod under the tree...

 

[Reason077]

Some will argue that Apple should focus on what they know. But if it's true that Apple are developing a car, then I'm all for it.

Electric vehicles have huge environmental and economic benefits, and self-driving vehicles will save many, many lives.

Sure, other companies are working on this stuff too. But air pollution and deaths from road accidents are some of the more significant problems facing humanity. This stuff is actually way more important than making the next iPhone a little bit thinner, and the more smart people and companies we have working on it, the better.

 

[DUCKofD3ATH]

Jokes aside, I'm excited about what Apple might be able to do here. I would think it's going to be more than just "all electric" as being the main feature. I'm sure they'll work in "pinch to move", swipe to turn, and even some force touch features.

Unless they've achieved fundamental breakthroughs in battery tech, their car won't be viable anyplace that has seasons. Using the heater in cold weather and the AC in hot drains the battery too quickly to make all but the shortest trips practical.

 

[snebes]

How did you infer an Apple Car from that quote??

Glad I'm not the only one wondering just this.

Edit:

The BI article has that quote with the context of:

CEO Tim Cook gave a great response when asked about the long-rumored Apple Car at the company's annual shareholder's meeting held in Cupertino, California on Friday.

Is there audio of this posted anywhere?

 

[bdkennedy1]

Right. He could have been talking about anything.

How did you infer an Apple Car from that quote??

 

[matt3526]

no doubt it'll come in 3 flavours: 50mph - $20999 80mph - $25999 120mph - $30999

 

[jyen]

How did you infer an Apple Car from that quote??



That could mean anything. Might be a 1TB iPod under the tree...

In case you didn't read the article, that was Tim's response to a question about the Apple Car.

 

[DUCKofD3ATH]

How did you infer an Apple Car from that quote??



That could mean anything. Might be a 1TB iPod under the tree...

Except for the "Teases Apple Car" in huge bold letters on the headline....

 

[nezr]

iCar, iCar Pro, iCar mini, iCar Se (standard edition).

 

[JohnApples]

Coming soon: Apple's all-electric automobile!*

*Batteries not included.

Of course the battery will be included! It will just be smaller than the rest of the electric automobiles' batteries, be non-removable, and require a proprietary charger!

 

[nightcap965]

I will give Mr. Cook his due: he's a master of the enigmatic and ambiguous statement.

 

[jyen]

no doubt it'll come in 3 flavours: 50mph - $20999 80mph - $25999 120mph - $30999

I bet people would be all over the Apple Car Sport model though!

 

[Moorepheus]

This car will be priced much higher then the most expensive Tesla. It will require yearly upgrades to it's OS, and after 3 years, you will need to upgrade your vehicle, because you can't upgrade the OS anymore. Oh, it will have 4 wheels, headlights and tail lights. Ok, I am done having fun with this. I will be very interested in what Apple has to offer. I do, believe like I said above, that the price of this car will fall in line with all their other products, a bit on the high end.

 

[0008652]

[delete]

 

[DUCKofD3ATH]

iCar, iCar Pro, iCar mini, iCar Se (standard edition).

I think it should be more personal:

iSTEVE: Superior Technology Electrical VEhicle
​

Steve Jobs would have wanted it that way.

 

[bladerunner2000]

Of course the battery will be included! It will just be smaller than the rest of the electric automobiles' batteries, be non-removable, and require a proprietary charger!

And people will cal it innovative while FLOCKING to buy such a crippled car.