The Apple Car could communicate via exterior screens

Perhaps Tim Cook's last project before his departure, the Apple Car is a smart car program that is still secret but has been known to the press for several years. Cupertino regularly files patents for the automotive market, which leaves no doubt about what is going on internally on this side. And in fact, a new document of this kind has just been spotted in the United States.

In the file, Apple explains how large screens installed on either side of a vehicle's cabin could display information to other surrounding drivers. We would then find basic indications such as braking or flashing, but not only that. Indeed, the engineers behind this idea believe that without a driver, it is more difficult to anticipate the movements of the device.

Better security? Not so sure

Among the data that the panel could broadcast to remedy this; the relative speed and its difference with that of the following vehicle or a countdown to announce specific actions are two telling examples. Note that for Apple, the screen must be able to read text but also images or even videos. Another possibility, more gadgety this time: a greeting message when the car owner arrives, or goodbye when he leaves.

If keeping other traffic users informed of your next maneuvers is indeed more than welcome, this innovative solution still presents serious risks. Indeed, when we already know that a millisecond of inattention can cause serious accidents on certain traffic lanes, providing additional content for drivers to decipher is probably a sign of danger.

Patience

In any case, these diagrams do not allow us to assume that Apple will indeed release technology of this type one day. Above all, this patent is a means for the firm to protect the intellectual property of its concept. It is only then that its authors can – possibly – collect royalties if someone wishes to be inspired by it.

According to the latest news, the Apple Car should not see the light of day before 2025. It is also rumored that the program could only produce software, which the developer would then make available to other manufacturers. A rumor which will not be confirmed by those mainly concerned for many months.