Steve Jobs Passed on Building Apple Car in 2008 to Focus on iPhone

[Andrei90]

True, that was a mistake on the part of Palm.

Especially since they and others had already done most of the smartphone ground work for Apple to use: Mobile radio chips, handheld antenna basics, and even what basic functions, apps and extra features that people expected in a smartphone of the time. (Along with a known set of common user dislikes that Apple could fix.)

More importantly, they and others had already created a worldwide radio, data and market infrastructure... at a cost of years and billions of dollars, while Apple sat on the sidelines and waited for the time to be ripe to jump in and profit from it.

So yeah, likewise, Apple has the advantage of a hundred years of car making to look at, plus the experience of newcomers like Tesla. And a worldwide infrastructure of roads, laws (some recently pioneered by Google's self-driving experiments), experienced automotive talent, and a ready made consumer market. It's all set up for a classic Apple market entry.

Thank you. I don't know why people think Apple has to start from scratch, they are not building a data base like they were with Apple Maps, they are building a car, nothing more.

It's strange to think about an Apple Car but now that Tesla's around it makes more sense, since it's safe to say that it's definitely going to be all electric. But still, what would an Apple suspension be like? What would Apple's policies be like on repairs and warranty? Would they go all proprietary stuff or would they open up a bit? Would they have their own special brake pads, rims, wipers, light bulbs, etc... that would cost 10 times as much as the regular stuff? What size would it be? Would it be a small practical car or some big expensive pointless-city-4x4 type of thing? How many different models would it have?

Oh and like everything Apple makes, would it only come with a 1 year warranty? Sure, probably not but wow that would be weird for a change!

I'm just really curious, cars are just so different than everything else Apple has done, and there are many Apple policies that I just can't see being applied to cars (warranty void if opened, impossible to repair anything yourself, unable to downgrade, unusually high prices, expensive accessories that you can't even go without (think MacBook USB-C adapter), etc). I'm sure they'd change a lot of those policies but how? Apple would have to change so much to pull this off.

Those policies look right to me. I don't think Apple's going to make a car below $40,000

 

[Vanilla35]

Yes, I can understand that this is what he was probably basing his decision off of. I just feel that, until it's revealed, you can't let those factors weigh quite so heavily on a decision.

(Not that I'm dying for him to go out and buy the Apple car when it's available. I just find it funny that people always feel so strongly about things before they have important info... though it's probably something I do myself from time to time.)

Yeah I mean it's clearly a comment made in angst, but it is important to note just how much apple's lack of polish the last few years has influenced people's opinion about their products.

 

[TsMkLg068426]

Don't worry about the Apple TV, developers are going to improve it way beyond Apple's expectations.

I am sure they are but how long will it take for the next ATV hardware and OS improvement? Any sort of new ATV takes it least 4-5 years compared to a iPhone, iPad or any of the Macs. ATV for some reason Apple has a lack of interest in while other streaming devices getting stronger in competition and you would think ATV would be updated like iPhones or iPads every year or it least 2 years and since Apple is so much into streaming everything in the Cloud that would be another reason to improve ATV (iMacs no longer with optical drives even though you can get USB but this shows Apple pushing everyone to the Cloud service).

 

[DUCKofD3ATH]

It's strange to think about an Apple Car but now that Tesla's around it makes more sense, since it's safe to say that it's definitely going to be all electric.

Given that Tesla's hemorrhaging money, I hope Apple doesn't follow their example!

Why would Apple build an all electric car anyway? They've cornered the market on expensive products that appeal to everybody, so why would they regress and build a product like an all-electric when only a small portion of the population can justify buying them due to their short range? And don't forget that electric cars are useless in parts of the country that experience cold winters and hot summers because AC/heaters suck up a LOT of juice!

 

[mrxak]

Incredibly thin Gorilla Glass windshield with anti-glare and hydrophobic coatings, so you don't need wipers or visors and it won't break even if you drive over it with another car. (PRODUCT) RED model that comes with a U2 album already loaded whether you want it or not. Keyless entry doesn't work when the car can't connect to the internet. No AM/FM radio, just Beats 1. The car bends if somebody sits on your hood. No user-serviceable parts. If the luxurious premium leather car interior gets wet, you've voided the warranty. Fingerprint or 4 digit code to start the engine, unless you have Siri in default settings and then anyone can start it with their voice. Health sensors in the rear seats and motion sensors while the car's engine is off count calories expended up at Makeout Point. Instead of looking out the windows to see where you are, use multitouch gestures on a 3D map display in the dashboard to look at local landmarks in incredible photorealistic 3D. Find My Car app very useful for large parking lots and in event of theft. Travel Time for calendar events now based on how fast a model Apple Car you got and its off-road capabilities. 8 megapixel FaceTime cameras mounted in the steering wheel and passenger's side dashboards. Car won't work without a tethered recent-model iPhone running the latest iOS, though health sensors in the car seats will still work out of range after set-up. The driver's side door has Apple Pay antennas for drive-through payment at participating fast food restaurants. Airplane Mode doesn't do what you think it does. Time Machine functionality only available with optional flux capacitor.

Everyone will complain it doesn't have enough RAM after car mechanics do a tear-down. Samsung releases an eighteen wheeler and runs ads making fun of how small the Apple Car is in comparison. Unboxing videos show Apple has designed an ingenious box using only a minimum of paperboard, though most customers opt to have Apple Store employees take it out of the box at the store for initial set-up. NSA monitors all of your movements since your car is always connected to Apple servers. Police complain they can't shut your car down remotely and lobbies Congress to insist Apple installs a backdoor so they can do that if you're wanted for a crime or your license gets suspended.

 

[4jasontv]

Yeah because the price for the car would be outrages and the car insurance for a Apple car damn I don't want to even think how much I would have to pay for insurance. Apple products already expensive I can just imagine the price of a Apple car would be so yeah there will more cars with no one in them.

I'm actually in the market for a AWD car under 28k. I would like one with CarPlay, but it doesn't appear to be an option. Mazda spent 20 minutes trying to show me their solution, but it operated worse than VZ Nav on the Moto RAZR.

Car Play is a great solution, and no one seems to be embracing it, so why shouldn't Apple become more serious about entering the market. (Besides the fact that it still wouldn't be an AWD car within budget?)

 

[xlost6]

That host in the video tho. Wow.

 

[randyj]

I think Apple should create a new company if they do a car.
People die in cars everyday. If they have a scandal for whatever reason it could seriously hurt the Apple brand.

They were rumoured to take over Telsa a few years ago. With over 200 billion in cash, they can take over almost any company.

Personally I can't wait to get an electric car. I did a project as university back in 1993 about electric cars. Still 22 years later they are few and far between on the road.

Apple has the know how to mass produce quality products.
You can imagine the thought that would go into the design.
e.g. seat fit, steering wheel, storage, door handles, etc etc.
Jony would be in his element.

 

[Kabeyun]

I don't see this happening. The costs of bringing a car to market is so expensive.

You're suggesting that Apple, the planet's richest company, wouldn't do it because it's expensive?

I think if apple was seriously considering this, they would have bought out tesla when it had a sub 15 billion market cap. Even at today's price of around 30 ish billion, it's only 10 more
Billion than what Facebook paid for what's app.

The thing about buying something is that the owners have to want to sell it. Musk, and his board, don't.

An Apple/Tesla collaboration would be cool, though. I couldn't care less if Apple built the thing. Let Dan Riccio & Jony have a crack at the interior and Craig Federighi & Alan Dye have a crack at carOS and systems integration. Elon knows all about batteries. Neat to consider.

 

[genovelle]

i'll be passing on the apple car for sure given the state of OS X and iOS... and the mess that was AW and music.

Let me guess Windows and Android are king. LOL! By the way everybody I have ever met with an Apple Watch loves it like crazy and I really enjoy Apple Music.

 

[TsMkLg068426]

I'm actually in the market for a AWD car under 28k. I would like one with CarPlay, but it doesn't appear to be an option. Mazda spent 20 minutes trying to show me their solution, but it operated worse than VZ Nav on the Moto RAZR.

Car Play is a great solution, and no one seems to be embracing it, so why shouldn't Apple become more serious about entering the market. (Besides the fact that it still wouldn't be an AWD car within budget?)

It's not that no one appreciates CarPlay it is because not all auto companies carry it yet and the reason could be also because it is only compatible with Apple products. Never said Apple should not work into other types Electronic stuff like a car if I am not mistaken during Steve Jobs time there was a moment Apple was going to start selling Appliances or have their own brand of Appliances.

Imagine if Apple got into their own brand of appliances I could just imagine their Applecare warranty only 3 years when appliances should last more than a computer or a iPhone. I have a Samsung Eco laundry and Dry that covers the motor for 10 Years do you think Apple would have done that?


Another thing why do you think a lot big businesses have not moved from Microsoft to a Mac computer? Because a PC that has Microsoft lasts longer than 3 years especially the hardware. With a Mac it is guaranteed 3-4 year life span meaning after 3-4 years your hardware will have less functions with the new OS X another reason Applecare only adds extended 2 year warranty over the 1 year that already comes during purchase.

Apple products are not cheap and yes they do sell more than a PC with Windows this days but I could just imagine the price on a AWD car vs. Carplay.

Let me guess Windows and Android are king. LOL! By the way everybody I have ever met with an Apple Watch loves it like crazy and I really enjoy Apple Music.

People just enjoy complaining about Apple Music and preach about Spotify but when Spotify finally was available in the U.S. the app wasn't anything in the beginning it was actually terrible. Apple Music in time will grow if people let it and stop complaining about it, it is better Amazon Prime Music which constantly remove songs and albums which is annoying.

 

[genovelle]

Will the Apple Car come with a 5400 RPM Hard drive in it?

C'mon, that comment belongs in every thread now.

For people who are more interested in buying cheap over performance, those hard drives are much better. They use less energy for a laptop and cut down on price. For a performance buyer, upgrade to a flash or hybrid drive which is all they will have eventually.

 

[Mac 128]

At least we now can take off one thing of the list "Things Tim Cook does wrong which Steve would not have done". Not that this list was accurate to begin with of course...

As much as they say the Watch was Tim Cooks first product developed on his own, Jobs was certainly already involved in the planning stages before he died as they had just released 17 new watch faces for the iPod nano, which people had been wearing as a watch.

It will be interesting to see how similar the Car may be to Jobs' concepts and ideas if it ever comes to market. My guess is that Apple has a few more years before they run out of ideas Steve Jobs initiated.

So I'd say that list is completely inaccurate now. Apple isn't releasing anything that Steve Jobs didn't already give input upon, and quite likely intended to get around to when the time was right. For all we know Tim Cook may simply be following the timeline Steve Jobs outlined himself ...

 

[Analog Kid]

"A car has batteries; it has a computer; it has a motor; and it has mechanical structure. If you look at an iPhone, it has all the same things. It even has a motor in it," said Fadell

This has to rank among the dumbest things said this year...

 

[subjonas]

Whatever. Emily Chang stole the show for me.

 

[kdarling]

As much as they say the Watch was Tim Cooks first product developed on his own, Jobs was certainly already involved in the planning stages before he died as they had just released 17 new watch faces for the iPod nano, which people had been wearing as a watch. ...

Jon Ive claims his design lab came up with the idea to do an Apple watch - but not until AFTER Jobs died.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/featu...atch-and-remaking-a-companys-culture-i077npsy

 

[Tech198]

if anything u can bet that u would have Apple care "equivalent" with an Apple Car.

Just to confuse everyone over standard cars warranty's and/or electric , this WOULD be still called "Applecare for APpleCar".

You'd buy it from Apple just like any other Applecare. Of course if your going to do a car, u must have the responsibility to repair and service it too. No more RAC, AAA or anything.. Apple would service the car,.

everyting under one roof.... Its just like Office works

 

[thekeyring]

Fadell could have been an Apple employee and an Apple branded auto could have been a reality today. The problem was Steve, for all his genius, wanted to have his thumb in every pie Apple made. APPLE could have done both, but STEVE could not. Steve was the best thing to happen to Apple but that is the truth.

I think you've hit upon a great point. Apple used to all run through Steve's head. Now, the company can get bigger, because Tim works differently.

I wonder if all the new Beats products are in the design lab next to the iPhone 7 prototypes and Apple Watch 2 prototypes? I don't think so, somehow.

i'm sure they talked about dozens of different ideas, not coming into fruition is what made steve who he was

Man it'd be great to know what else they were thinking of.

 

[beanbaguk]

This guy has no idea what a car is. Comparing it to an iPhone is delusional.

He doesn't get the soul of a car. The beauty. The passion for driving one. The enjoyment....

He has no idea at all.

 

[AFEPPL]

Let me guess Windows and Android are king. LOL! By the way everybody I have ever met with an Apple Watch loves it like crazy and I really enjoy Apple Music.

I dont recall saying that.. did i say that? But since you mention it. AW sucks, and i mean sucks like a vegas hooker. 4 out of the 5 people i "personally" know with one have returned them. The 1 keeping it works for apple and doesn't comment on it at all - says a lot. Watching the football last night the subject came up and 1 of the extended people we were with also said he returned his.. Hmmm not looking good. So as I'm sit here typing this wearing one, i have to say they are correct. Its just not worth it. £100, hmmm maybe if it was pebble money. AW groan, gave up on that after a month.. As the saying goes, you cant polish a turd!.

OS X windows, frankly they are the same now. Does that mean windows has got better or OS X worse? Both!
Driod, never had one.

 

[diamond.g]

Tesla is losing money because they are building the Gigafactory and rolling out Superchargers nation (world) wide. Will Appke roll out a charging network for long distance travel? Cause so far only the Tesla SC network is worth anything for fast charging. Chademo is hard to find and doesn't charge as fast.

 

[Mac 128]

Jon Ive claims his design lab came up with the idea to do an Apple watch - but not until AFTER Jobs died.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/featu...atch-and-remaking-a-companys-culture-i077npsy

I find it impossible to believe that Jobs never had a conversation about Apple developing a smartwatch when they were clearly encouraging the nano to be used as a watch prior to his death. Moreover, jobs own health issues would have contributed to the discussions about the benefit of health monitoring wearables, something already in existence from other companies at the time. Including their own Nike+ integration, the hardware component of which ended around the time the nano/watch was introduced.

Rather than accuse Cook and Ive of lying, I'd simply offer that Jobs was concerned about the future of his legacy, and put his full support behind them publicly. I can also imagine a scenario where he knew they would need to quickly bring a product to market that was seen as their own accomplishment, thus ensuring continued confidence in Apple, and encouraged them to distance the watch from his involvement.

 

[ToroidalZeus]

I think you've hit the nail upon the head.

Battery technology is the single biggest impediment to electric cars for the masses. At the moment, it is not feasible. It is also not feasible for the foreseeable future. If a breakthrough does arrive, it will still be over ten years, and probably closer to twenty, before the technology becomes economic for the general public.

Mods: I apologise for the two posts in a row; not sure how to combine them.

Given that Tesla's hemorrhaging money, I hope Apple doesn't follow their example!

Why would Apple build an all electric car anyway? They've cornered the market on expensive products that appeal to everybody, so why would they regress and build a product like an all-electric when only a small portion of the population can justify buying them due to their short range? And don't forget that electric cars are useless in parts of the country that experience cold winters and hot summers because AC/heaters suck up a LOT of juice!

Battery technology is already economically viable. The Tesla Model S has a 200mile+ range. How many miles do you travel in a typical day? To work, to grocery store, to a friend house. I would say an EV with a 120-150 mile range would more than enough for most people and would easily fit into a family of 2 or 3 cars where they'd only need one gasoline engine for long trips.

Btw I would point that while EVs have more limited range than a gasoline engine they also offer huge benefits too. 1st is the lack of moving parts in the motor means they'll be much more reliable. 2nd they are much more quiet. 3rd instant torque gives Tesla the same acceleration as a Porche. 4th and most importantly they do not pollute so smog is going to be a thing of the past.

Lastly US tax law allows a 20 year carry forward of net loss and as Tesla was founded in 2003, that means they have another 7 years to become profitable. Furthermore their revenue is 3 billion and not less is only 300 million per year so they are very close to being profitable.

 

[RedRaven571]

Same logic applies to a smart Dildo.....

I'm sorry, but you piqued my curiosity, what is a 'smart dildo'?

Hopefully, Apple won't enter that market as well; it would be ultra thin with no battery life.....

 

[DUCKofD3ATH]

Battery technology is already economically viable.

Not if you live anywhere that suffers through cold winters and/or hot summers! Selling all-electrics to customers who only inhabit temperate climates would be crazy.

The Tesla Model S has a 200mile+ range. How many miles do you travel in a typical day? To work, to grocery store, to a friend house. I would say an EV with a 120-150 mile range would more than enough for most people and would easily fit into a family of 2 or 3 cars where they'd only need one gasoline engine for long trips.

So your idea of "economically viable" is to buy two cars: an all-electric for everyday use, and a gas driven car for everything else. That's not going to work for any but the most fanatical greenie.

Like I said, making all-electrics will be a disastrous thing for Apple to do.