Apple reportedly scaling back its self-driving goals to launch in 2028.

Posted on January 24, 2024
General
Apple reportedly scaling back its self-driving goals to launch in 2028.

Apple's previously rumored car project is still underway, but will reportedly be introduced to the market later than previously thought and will not include self-driving features.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, Bloomberg reported Tuesday that Apple will launch the car in 2028, or two years later than previously thought.

According to sources, one reason for the delay was a change to earlier plans to offer cars with true self-driving capabilities on highways. Instead, Apple is now reportedly aiming to offer cars with only self-driving assistance features that rank at Level 2 on the SAE scale of self-driving capability, or the same level as systems offered by Tesla, General Motors, and Ford.

Level 2 means that the car can be automated under certain conditions, but requires the driver to be at the wheel at all times to monitor it. Level 3 is the first level where the driver can take his or her eyes off the road, albeit for short periods of time. Mercedes-Benz is the only automaker to offer such a system, but the Mercedes system, known as DrivePilot, has strict requirements, including strict limits on the highways on which it can operate.

Apple previously planned to develop a car that would allow the driver to watch videos or browse the web while driving on the highway, allowing enough time for the driver to resume operation when needed. Such functionality would be equivalent to Level 4 on the SAE automated driving functionality rating scale.

The ultimate goal is Level 5, a car that rivals human capabilities; according to Bloomberg, Apple initially planned for this level and even envisioned a car without a steering wheel and pedals. Apple also reportedly spent time developing a remote command center that could take over control if the car got stuck.

Apple has remained silent on its plans related to the car project, often referred to as Project Titan. The company has filed several patents related to cars and driving in recent years and has hired several automotive industry veterans.

Apple is not the only tech company considering entering the automotive business. Alphabet-owned Waymo is expanding its One robot cab service to more cities, and Baidu is rapidly expanding its own robot cab service in China. Sony has also partnered with Honda to launch the Afila brand, whose cars are expected to offer advanced self-driving capabilities.

You may also like

2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid returns to the hybrid segment
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid returns to the hybrid segment

Subaru is hoping to capture renewed interest in hybrid vehicles next year with the launch of the 2025 Forester Hybrid.Subaru's website already offers ...

Dec 26

Genesis testing 48-volt metal-coated heated windshield technology
Genesis testing 48-volt metal-coated heated windshield technology

Windshield heaters are a fairly common feature, but Genesis is testing new hardware that it claims can defrost windshields faster using less energy.In...

Jan 03

2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid unveiled for the first time
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid unveiled for the first time

Subaru has long offered hybrid versions of the Forester in other markets, but an electrified version of the popular compact crossover has finally arri...

Dec 26


Trending

GM draws up a configuration diagram for a high-performance quad-motor EV.
GM draws up a configuration diagram for a high-performance quad-motor EV.

General Motors is looking at ways to add a quad-motor powertrain to its electric vehicles that can perform both on-road and off-road.The patent applic...

Dec 28

Genesis Goes from Scale Model to Le Mans in 18 Months
Genesis Goes from Scale Model to Le Mans in 18 Months

In December, Genesis launched its own motorsports division, Genesis Magma Racing (GMR), and confirmed plans to enter its newly developed LMDh racing c...

Dec 27

First Retailer of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to Auction
First Retailer of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to Auction

With the arrival of the 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 and its screaming twin-turbo V-8 engine with 1,064 hp, the American sports car is about to reach h...

Dec 23