First Apple Car to Be Fully Autonomous and Designed to Operate Without a Driver

[MacRumors]

The first Apple Car that's released will not be designed to operate with a driver, according to a report from CNBC that cites multiple unnamed sources with knowledge of Apple's plans. "These will be autonomous, electric vehicles designed to operate without a driver and focused on the last mile," said one of the people.

CNBC speculates that the initial Apple Cars could be designed for food delivery operations and firms that incorporate robotaxis. Self-driving robotaxis are available in China, and in the United States, companies like Waymo have tested public robotaxi programs. Many vehicle manufacturers working on autonomous technology are also planning for robotaxi services.

The tidbit about Apple's aim to produce a driverless car comes in a wider report that suggests Apple is close to finalizing an Apple Car deal with Hyundai affiliate Kia, which echoes several other reports suggesting a deal is brewing between Hyundai and Apple.

CNBC suggests that the Apple Car will be manufactured at the Kia assembly plant in West Point, Georgia under the terms of the agreement. No deal has yet been reached, however, and Apple could decide to work with another automaker entirely or choose a secondary partner to work with alongside Hyundai.

According to CNBC's sources, Apple has decided to pursue a partnership with Hyundai-Kia because the deal gives Apple access to an established automaker with the capability to produce vehicles in North America. Hyundai-Kia is also willing to give Apple control over both the Apple Car software and the hardware, with Apple planning for a full Apple-branded vehicle and not a Kia model that includes Apple software.

Hyundai-Kia executives believe that working with Apple will allow them to accelerate their own autonomous and electric vehicle plans.

Apple is said to be aiming to have the Apple Car in production in 2024, though it's possible that timeline will be delayed as work on the Apple Car is still in the early stages. Bloomberg recently said it would be five to seven years before an Apple Car is ready to launch, while Apple analyst Ming-Chu Kuo said this week that he expects to see the Apple Car in 2025 at the earliest.

Article Link: First Apple Car to Be Fully Autonomous and Designed to Operate Without a Driver

 

[ElRojito]

headphone jack: killed
USBA: killed
Driver seat: killed

 

[dontwalkhand]

So it may not even be a car you can buy, rather a car that is integrated into some sort of Uber-like thing*. I am ok with that to be honest.

*Since it says sold to agencies, it may just be sold to Uber and Lyft as is, since they kind of already have that marketshare.

 

[Jefe's MacAir]

And the future is now. Can't wait.

 

[swingerofbirch]

I am very skeptical.

BUT, as someone who cannot drive, this would give me so much freedom and independence that I lack right now.

 

[JPack]

Given this news about it being a robotaxi, the Hyundai-Kia partnership makes more sense. Quality doesn't need to be top notch, but price will.

 

[tongxinshe]

Apple’s autonomous driving technology is at least 5 years behind Google, don’t expect much from it.

 

[DrV]

If the car is to be completely driverless (SAE autonomy level 5), it won’t be released in 2024. I doubt it will be released in 2034, either.

Alternatively, it may be aimed at very limited markets; the cars only operate in a restricted area in good weather. But does that make any commercial sense?

 

[TimWillz]

Sounds interesting... I’m excited to see what innovation Apple can bring to an industry that is already really pushing forward recently.

 

[jerryk]

People not knowing how to drive is the wave of the future. Give it 20 years and 1/3 of the people that buy cars today will not be buying cars. If a robotaxi can get you there for the price of a latte, why bother owning a car and paying to insure, repair, and house it.

 

[DrV]

Given this news about it being a robotaxi, the Hyundai-Kia partnership makes more sense. Quality doesn't need to be top notch, but price will.

Quite often the Asian manufacturers have proved to produce very reliable vehicles. So, what is “quality”?

 

[mnsportsgeek]

Steering wheel dongle for $4999

 

[iapplelove]

I want to get excited, but then I remember how awful auto correct is in ios. And how bad Siri still is.

 

[||\||]

Quite often the Asian manufacturers have proved to produce very reliable vehicles. So, what is “quality”?

Not EVs.

 

[Apple_Robert]

So much for backseat driver micro-managing.

 

[KaliYoni]

Can't wait for this exchange to happen:

Me: (angry) Your AutoPod just dumped me somewhere I don't even recognize.
Apple "Genius": (bored) Can you explain what you're trying to do?
Me: I'm trying to get to work! Your car kicked me out, like, 5 miles from my office!
Apple "Genius": (dismissive) Oh, well, obviously you weren't sitting in it right. Bye.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

People not knowing how to drive is the wave of the future. Give it 20 years and 1/3 of the people that buy cars today will not be buying cars. If a robotaxi can get you there for the price of a latte, why bother owning a car and paying to insure, repair, and house it.

If it really costs 5 bucks I’d dump my car in a heartbeat after we’re done with car seats.

 

[Cosmosent]

Reinforces my belief all-along that Apple wouldn't try to sell a Kia-based car to the General Public, & that it would be intended for some captive market.

My best guess, to Service Companies addressing the Elderly, where, I believe, it would both be very welcome, & very successful !

For example, getting them to the supermarket 1-2 times per week, & to the Doctor's office whenever necessary.

This is ALSO where I believe Apple can make its biggest contribution to society / humanity !

 

[jerryk]

If the car is to be completely driverless (SAE autonomy level 5), it won’t be released in 2024. I doubt it will be released in 2034, either.

Alternatively, it may be aimed at very limited markets; the cars only operate in a restricted area in good weather. But does that make any commercial sense?

Why restricted areas and good weather? My Tesla works fine in rain and pretty much drove itself down to LA and back from the bay area. The only time I took control was stopping for food since I wanted to drive by places and see what the lines were like. Also, works pretty well on city streets including the subdivision I live in.

 

[AustinIllini]

Which also means I'm guessing you won't be able to buy it. It will be part of a subscription

 

[DrV]

Not EVs.

Hyundai Ioniq EV? Hyundai Kona / Kia Niro EV? Is there something wrong with their reliability compared to, say, Tesla?

 

[mi7chy]

Oh boy. Hopefully there's a tracker like UPS Follow My Delivery so I can avoid its path.

 

[dannyyankou]

I wouldn’t want to be in a car where I couldn’t take control of the wheel if things go awry.

 

[Rob_2811]

Will Apple slow it down after the first year to 'protect the battery' ?

 

[ericwn]

Apple’s autonomous driving technology is at least 5 years behind Google, don’t expect much from it.

What brings you to this conclusion?