Apple's foray into autos has generated a great deal of speculation. Apple started working on an electric car project in 2014. However, the rumors have intensified during the last six months. Expanding to automobiles is an enormous step, especially if it intends to compete with Tesla. While it may take more time for Apple's automobile project to become a reality, leaks and rumors have already begun to circulate. Here are what people are anticipating about the Apple car.
Latest Rumors and Leaks about Apple Car
Automobile AI
Apple has not verified any rumors about the Apple automobile. However, Apple CEO Tim Cook did discuss the project in 2017. Cook's statements reveal that Apple is creating an artificial intelligence (AI) system for automobiles, eventually leading to a fully autonomous vehicle. Apple has not stated much beyond this, but Cook's comments show that Apple is working on an automobile AI system.
LiDAR
Another Bloomberg article claims that Apple is seeking a provider of next-generation LiDAR for its automobile project. LiDAR is a sophisticated sensor technology that is already used in a number of iPhone devices manufactured by Apple. This technology, when used in automobiles, is said to enable the computer to "see" its surroundings and help in the self-driving aspect.
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Electric Vehicle
According to Reuters, Apple is not just developing an electric vehicle, but also a battery that may significantly enhance a vehicle's range. This battery will also cut the price of EV batteries dramatically.
According to sources familiar with the project, Apple intends to employ a "monocle" design. This increases the size of the battery's cells and removes the pouches and modules that carry battery components, allowing for the inclusion of more active material.
Advanced lighting
Apple's smart lighting patent (via 9to5 Mac) might be the answer to a widespread issue. You have spilled something on the floor of your automobile, but the interior light is inadequate. Apple's intelligent lighting would employ a combination of sensors and cameras to illuminate certain portions of the car's interior to help in your search.
As with all patents, take this one with a grain of salt, but it seems to be a wise decision. The intelligent lights also have a function that softly awakens you as your autonomous vehicle approaches its destination. The only period when it is permissible to sleep while driving.
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Automated window tinting
In a manner reminiscent of a science-fiction film, another Apple patent reveals the company may be considering automated window tinting.
The patent describes a glass technology that allows users to modify the color of their windows by altering the glass's transparency. The automated aspect of the function would also enable the windows to self-tint in reaction to weather conditions outside.
Adjustable bumpers
A patent application from 2016 hinted that Apple was considering retractable bumpers. The patent describes the bumpers as including an expandable, pressurized inflated section. This is intended to deliver a gentle first impression.
It is unknown why Apple was investigating this technology, although it may have something to do with offering a sleeker design or making parking in small spots simpler.
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Apple Car Manufacturer
When it comes to the actual construction of its car, it seems that Apple is seeking possible collaboration partners.
Hyundai accidentally let the cat out of the bag earlier this year when it revealed that it was "in conversation" with Apple about its next car. However, after the dissemination of this information, the business has said that neither Hyundai nor its subsidiary Kia would be continuing work on the creation of Apple's automobile.
Speculations that Apple's automobile would make use of Hyundai's technology, such as the company's E-GMP platform, might be put to rest as a result of this development.
It is believed that Apple is still holding conversations with a number of additional automobile retailers. The most recent source says that LG and Magna's e-Powertrain might be close to signing a deal with Apple to manage the first manufacturing of Apple's automobile. GM, Magna, and Groupe PSA have all been rumored to be potential partners.
According to recent sources, Apple plans to maintain its partnership with TSMC, the company that presently supplies the A-series semiconductors used in Apple's iPhones, in order to develop the technology that will be used within the vehicle. It is thought that TSMC will provide chips for Apple's automobile, and these chips are anticipated to fulfill the specifications for Level 4 or Level 5 processors.
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Apple Car Team
Over the course of the development of the Apple Car, Apple has not only seen a number of team members exit but also engaged a number of industry experts to head up the project.
As of the month of August 2018, the project is being led by Doug Field, who was once an engineer at Tesla.
Ulrich Kranz, an executive who most recently worked for BMW and the business Canoo, which develops autonomous vehicles, was recently recruited by the corporation. It is yet uncertain what function Kranz will have in the development of Apple's automobile.
Other notable recruits include Manfred Harrer, a chassis engineer from Volkswagen; former Tesla executives Steve MacManus, Michael Schwekutsch, and Stuart Bowers; and Andrew Kim, a designer who formerly worked for both Tesla and Microsoft HoloLens.
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Probable Release Date of Apple Car
The launch of Apple's automobile has been delayed many times, and new rumors suggest that it is still several years away from being available for purchase.
According to Reuters, the Apple Car may be available to consumers as early as 2024. Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known Apple analyst, believes that people won't see the automobile until somewhere between 2025 and 2027.
Even if Apple speeds up the creation of its car this year, it will still need some time before it can be manufactured and put through its paces in testing. That indicates that people have years ahead of them filled with leaks and rumors.
Conclusion
Once started as a unique operating systems-based computer manufacturer, Apple has ventured into and presented a new era of technological devices and gadgets. The leaks and rumors of Apple Car which are already in the wind have triggered people’s interest. However, time will day how many of these leaks come true. Apple fans are still dubious and waiting for the tech giant to release its most anticipated Car.