Things have been a little quieter around the Apple Car in recent weeks. Now there is a new report.
A new Korea Times report according to, Apple is reportedly close to signing a deal with LG and Magna's automotive joint venture - "LG Magna e-Powertrain" - to build the Apple Car. The contracts would reportedly see the LG and Magna International joint venture initially take over Apple Car production. Currently, Apple is not expected to unveil its own electric vehicle until 2025 at the earliest. LG and Magna's partnership is expected to close later this year, apparently with Apple as the lead customer. Earlier this year, there were a number of reports that Apple was eyeing a deal with Kia and Hyundai worth around four billion dollars.
LG and Magna already act as suppliers
However, the auto companies confirmed in February that talks with Apple had ended. It is believed that the Apple Auto will be branded exclusively as the Apple Car, and Apple's partners will merely act as links in the supply chain, similar to Foxconn with the iPhone. Apparently, Hyundai and Kia did not want to be reduced to mere suppliers. LG and Magna do not have significant public relationships in the auto industry, so they are probably more willing to let Apple take the glory. LG and Magna already supply parts such as batteries, motors and more to companies such as Tesla, General Motors, Ford and BMW. In addition, Magna's name has already been mentioned in a Bloomberg story about potential Apple Car partners.
Tim Cook hints at Apple Car
Since 2015, Apple has been working on self-driving technology under the codename Project Titan. Apple's design work on an actual vehicle was reportedly paused in 2017, with the division focusing on the underlying autonomous technology. However, several clues suggest that Apple has since resumed work on a vehicle, including hiring key executives from Tesla and Porsche. Recently, Tim Cook told Kara Swisher that Apple is interested in unifying hardware, software, and services when it comes to electric vehicles, strongly suggesting that the company is still working on a full-fledged Apple Car. (Photo by PavelVinnik / Bigstockphoto)
