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Rumors about a real Apple Car (Project Titan) have been around for several years. Now it is claimed that the Apple Car could be released as early as next year.
Initially, little was known about Project Titan. The development and construction of entire cars was considered Apple's original goal. As research progressed, this apparently changed, and the focus shifted to software development for autonomous driving. This was then to be incorporated into other manufacturers' models. However, plans are said to have changed again. The project itself was first documented in 2015. Now, the Taiwanese news site Economic Daily News has commented on it in a comprehensive article. According to the report, the Apple Car is at least two years ahead of schedule.
Apple Car: The specified time frame is questionable
It is claimed that Taiwanese manufacturers are preparing to ramp up production of Apple Car components as early as the second quarter of next year. It is also alleged that Apple has already secretly tested dozens of prototype vehicles on Californian roads. While many sources have claimed that the Apple Car will be released between 2023 and 2025, including analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the report cites an unnamed executive at a major Taiwanese manufacturer who said that Apple is aiming for a September 2021 launch. Of course, anything is possible. However, the stated timeframe is highly questionable—especially given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, DigiTimes reported last month that Apple is in talks with chipmaker TSMC regarding a chip for autonomous vehicles. It was noted that the whole process is still in a very early stage. Thus, the two articles contradict each other.
Announcement not excluded, market launch already
Apple received approval from the California Department of Transportation in 2017 to test autonomous vehicles. However, the company was spotted driving Lexus SUVs equipped with LiDAR equipment earlier this year. No prototype vehicles have been seen yet. Moreover, an imminent launch of such a product would leave a much bigger mark. However, that is not the case. Project Titan is less frequently reported on, as there is little movement. Therefore, we think an Apple Car launch next year is rather unrealistic. However, it is not impossible that Apple will speak out on the subject and possibly make an announcement. After all, some automakers tend to unveil new vehicles a few years in advance. Given the news site's mixed track record and the facts mentioned above, the report should definitely be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism. (Photo by peshkov / Bigstockphoto)
