Tim Cook Comments on Apple Car Rumors, Says There are Technologies That Will 'Revolutionize' Car Industry

[MacRumors]

Apple held its fourth quarter 2016 earnings call this afternoon, where Apple CEO Tim Cook was asked about the Apple Car by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster.

Cook didn't comment on Apple's plans, of course, and said there's "nothing to announce today," but he did give some insight into how Apple approaches new technologies and new product categories and said the car space is "interesting" because of the potential for new technologies.

I can't speak about rumors, but as you know, we look for ways we can improve the experience and the customer's experience on different sets of products. We're always looking at new things and the car space is an area where it's clear there are a lot of technologies that will become available... or will be able to revolutionize the car experience. It's interesting from that point of view. But certainly nothing to announce today.

Cook was also questioned about Apple's R&D spending, which has accelerated in recent quarters and has sparked speculation that it's evidence a major car project is in the works. On the subject of R&D, Cook said Apple is "confidently investing in the future" and that's the reason for the increase in R&D spending.

Recent rumors have suggested Apple has refocused its car project. The company has shelved plans to build a an electric car for now, and is instead working to build a self-driving software platform.

Article Link: Tim Cook Comments on Apple Car Rumors, Says There are Technologies That Will 'Revolutionize' Car Industry

 

[NIKKG]

Please get rid of this clown and get someone who is serious about technology.

 

[Spink10]

Go make another Apple Watch Band!

 

[joueboy]

The future of Apple Watch is colorful according to Tim Cook.

 

[campyguy]

I want two smart solutions. First, a remote control for machine gun turret in my trunk. Second, absent a solution for my first wont, I'll buy an app that directs me to the nearest "Bob" lane on the Interstate...

 

[Radin.Y]

Still waiting for the technologies that would have revolutionized television! haha

 

[Born Again]

I wish Tim had substance.

 

[BootsWalking]

Tim has great products in the pipeline...going on 5 years now. Any day now.

 

[xmonkey]

Just ditch the idea entirely, Apple. You don't need to get into cars.

 

[JPLC]

I call BS. Every industry will have techniques that will revolutionize it one day.

 

[apolloa]

Real innovation for revolutionary technologies everyone else is developing AND BRINGING TO MARKET ALREADY whilst the likes of Google and Apple play around with there toy cars and dream....

It's ridiculous, all this driving automation heightened by those two and they seem to be the only ones not bringing anything to market.

 

[jayducharme]

I'm not going to second-guess Cook. I'm sure that self-driving cars will be mainstream in the distant future. But since Apple is so obsessive about controlling the whole product, I'm not sure how a software package for other auto makers would work. That would be more like Microsoft's approach with Windows. Since Apple is working with Blackberry's QNX, maybe they're thinking the software will work with pretty much any hardware. Maybe auto makers will have to follow rigid hardware specs. I just can't imagine the number of variables such a system would engender. It seems like an almost insurmountable problem.

 

[DVNIEL]

Oh just like how they are revolutionizing the watch and the television?

 

[chrismail627]

I'm wondering, how will Apple sell their car? Will they open up their own "dealers" or partner with other dealers?

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

I feel like Apple is in the same position with the car that Google was in with Android in 2006.

You're working on something that is better than anything else out there, but someone else is working on something much better than you, and they'll reach market before you.

 

[Carlanga]

I don't trust Siri for self driving machines. Too dumb plus remember all the issues w mapping at the beginning? Even today maps is so far behind Google is ridiculous.

 

[Even Longer]

Tim Cook says: "There certainly are Alien Technologies That Will 'Revolutionize' Car Industry forever"...

 

[Jakexb]

Please get rid of this clown and get someone who is serious about technology.

Or don't?

 

[FatherJack1980]

Tim has great products in the pipeline...going on 5 years now. Any day now.

This song should be Apple's theme song

But I sure hope they won't implement Apple Maps in that dashboard

 

[kdarling]

(Cook) said the car space is "interesting" because of the potential for new technologies.

Deja vu !

Tim Cook mentioned that he found wearables to be "incredibly interesting" and went on to say that it could be a "profound area."

Cook (...) believes that (...) wearables are an area "ripe for exploration."

MacRumors article - 2013, pre Apple Watch

 

[entropys]

Transport like in the ickerman film under development would be party time central. New technologies indeed.

 

[pentrix2]

I'm wondering, how will Apple sell their car? Will they open up their own "dealers" or partner with other dealers?

they will open their own dealership, patent the word "dealership" then sue everyone. after they make a car, they will sue all cars because they look like theirs, 4 weeks... hahaha

 

[HiRez]

Obviously the entire 1,000 member team is now working on a Touch ID sensor for the door and a digital license plate with nature photo screen saver.

 

[satchmo]

Tim's a broken record. He says the same thing every time.

He sticks to very broad and general answers. Partly due to secrecy or because he lacks the ability to articulate a big picture vision...assuming he has one.

 

[Larry The L]

Please get rid of this clown and get someone who is serious about technology.

If Jobs were still alive, we wouldn't have this thread. We need to figure out a way to resurrect Jobs.