The iCar project, Apple’s electric car project which was given the temporary name, has encountered various obstacles and challenges over the past decade. Despite being the world’s largest technology company, Apple has come to realize that entering the car market is not as straightforward as they initially thought. According to Boomberg, the executives of the company have decided to delay the completion date of the project to 2028, which is two years later than the previously planned release date of 2026.
Furthermore, Apple has abandoned the idea of launching a level 4 autonomous driving system. Instead, the focus will be on achieving level 2+ autonomy, which is more aligned with what other automakers like Tesla can offer. However, this means that Apple’s iCar is lagging behind Mercedes’ pilot program, which intends to test level 3 autonomous driving on public roads in California, where Apple is headquartered.
Initially, Apple planned to introduce a self-driving vehicle capable of operating in specific scenarios without the need for human supervision. However, now it is anticipated that the car will only feature an advanced driver assistance system that can handle steering and speed control as long as the driver remains continuously vigilant during the process. Apple still holds hope of incorporating level 4 autonomous driving capabilities into the car after its initial launch.
Apple is currently engaged in negotiations with manufacturing partners in Europe to discuss their revised approach, which is considered a critical moment for the project. Failure to achieve the scaled-back ambitions may result in the project being permanently terminated.
Lowered expectations could pose a challenge for Apple as they strive to deliver the project. If this report is accurate, the company’s car will compete based on its design and performance rather than introducing groundbreaking technologies as initially anticipated.
Anh Quân (forum.autodaily.vn)