Apple's automotive adventure takes an unexpected turn. For almost a decade, the Apple firm had been working in secret on a project toautonomous electric car. Rumors were rife, fueled by patents filed and road tests seen here and there. Everything seemed to be going well for Apple to compete with Elon Musk and Tesla.
Last February, however, there was a twist: Mark Gurman of Bloomberg announcedabandonment of the project,leaving observers perplexed. A new element confirms this decision, and it sounds the final death knell for the Apple Car.
Autonomous driving license returned
The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has canceled Apple's autonomous vehicle testing permit. This authorization, obtained in 2017, allowed the company to test its driverless driving technologies on Californian roads. The DMV confirms receiving confirmation of cancellation from Apple on September 25. Two days later, on the 27th, the permit was officially revoked.
This permit would normally have been valid until April 30, 2025. Its premature abandonment therefore marks a decisive turning point. Apple draws a line under years of development andcolossal investments, estimated atalmost 10 billion dollars.
A change of strategic direction
The end of the Apple Car does not mean the end of Apple's ambitions in the automotive field. The company continues to develop CarPlay, its infotainment system for cars. With anewversion which should arrive before next year.
In addition, recent patents show that Apple is working oninnovative technologiesto improve road safety.
Among these innovations is a camera system to replace traditional mirrors.This technology could eliminate blind spotsand improve vehicle aerodynamics.
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By : Keleops AG
