Apple Delays iCar Launch to 2028, Lowers Autonomous Driving Level

The iCar project, a temporary name for Apple’s electric car project, has faced many obstacles and challenges over the past decade. Despite being the world’s largest technology company, Apple has realized that venturing into the car market is not as simple as they initially imagined. Boomberg reports that the company’s executives have pushed back the completion date of the project to 2028, two years later than the most recent release date in 2026.

The US technology company has also given up on providing a level 4 autonomous driving system at launch. Instead, the car will aim for level 2+ autonomy, which is more in line with what other automakers, such as Tesla, can provide. However, this puts the iCar behind Mercedes’ pilot program, which plans to test level 3 autonomous driving on public roads in California, where Apple is headquartered.

Apple’s initial plan was to release a self-driving vehicle that could operate in certain specific cases without human supervision. Now, the car is expected to only have an advanced driver assistance system that can steer and control speed as long as the driver maintains continuous monitoring during the process. Apple still hopes to eventually add level 4 autonomous driving capabilities to the car after its launch.

Apple is currently negotiating with manufacturing partners in Europe to discuss its new approach, which is seen as the deciding moment for the project. If the team cannot achieve these scaled-back ambitions, the project may be permanently shut down.

Lowered expectations could be an issue for Apple, as it may struggle to deliver the project. If this report is accurate, the company’s car will compete on design and operation instead of introducing advanced technologies as originally expected.

Anh Quân (forum.autodaily.vn)