We have all heard the rumours but haven’t seen any real developments in the Apple car front but recently reports of increased testing of autonomous driving system by the Cupertino company mayt suggest that they are serious after all.

The tech giant from California, has been quietly testing its autonomous driving technology on the streets of California and recent data from the state Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) show that they have ramped up testing activities in the last few months of last year.

According to a recent report from Wired, Apple nearly quadrupled its testing mileage on public roads in 2023 compared to the previous year. Data from the California DMV reveals a substantial increase in Apple’s testing endeavors, with testing miles peaking in August at 83,900 during the reporting period spanning December 2022 to November 2023.

While Apple’s testing figures are lower compared to more advanced autonomous vehicle developers like Waymo, direct comparisons are challenging due to differences in reporting guidelines. Waymo, for instance, logged 3.7 million testing miles in California with a safety driver and an additional 1.2 million miles without a driver, along with over 1.6 million miles with passengers on board.

In total, Apple conducted testing across 452,744 miles of California’s highways in 2023.

According to Bloomberg, Apple’s ambitions for its car project have evolved over the years. Initially aiming for an electric vehicle capable of fully autonomous driving, the company has shifted its focus. Recent reports suggest Apple is now aiming to develop automated driving-assistance features more akin to those offered by established automakers such as Tesla, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz.

Everything we know about the Apple’s Car Project so far

Project Genesis

– Initiated “Project Titan” in 2014, assembling a team of over 1,000 experts to develop an electric vehicle with limited self-driving capabilities.

– Project faced multiple shifts and leadership changes over the years, experiencing delays and alterations in its scope and goals.

Current Direction

– Current focus is on releasing an electric vehicle with driver-assistance features akin to Tesla’s offerings.

– Aiming for a Level 2 autonomous driving system, with the driver retaining control but assisted with steering and brake/acceleration support.

Development Challenges

– Originally aimed for a fully autonomous vehicle, but scaled back plans due to feasibility concerns.

– Latest designs feature a more traditional vehicle setup with a steering wheel and pedals.

Key Technological Advancements

– Developing a high-end processor, expected to be the most advanced ever created by Apple, to power the vehicle’s AI and autonomous systems.

– Utilizing LiDAR sensors, radar sensors, and cameras to enhance driver assistance features.

Partnerships and Manufacturing

– Seeking partnerships within the automotive industry due to lack of car manufacturing experience.

– Conversations held with companies like Hyundai and discussions ongoing with potential manufacturing partners.

Market Positioning

– Positioned as a high-end vehicle with superior integration of hardware, software, and services compared to competitors.

– Targeting a price point under $100,000, aiming for affordability within the luxury electric vehicle market.

Timeline and Release

– Aimed for consumer release no earlier than 2028, though timelines have been subject to frequent delays and adjustments.

– Emphasis on bringing a viable product to market within this decade.

Leadership and Talent

– Led by John Giannandrea, Apple’s AI and machine learning chief, with support from Kevin Lynch, known for Apple Watch development.

– Recruited top talent from automotive and tech industries, including former Tesla and BMW executives.

Facilities and Secret Projects

– Operates secret research labs in locations such as Berlin and the Bay Area, focusing on vehicle development and innovation.

– Recent lease of a manufacturing facility in Milpitas suggests further investment in car-related projects.

Conclusion

The project is still some way away from the market. The number of miles driven in testing is an indication that they are taking it relatively slow and maybe scaling back the autonomous aspect until further developments in their advanced AI chip. Autonomous technology is expected to be the biggest disruption to the automotive industry and represents very attractive opportunities for those with the capabilities for developing it.

Apple car timeline

Date	Event
Jan 2024	Apple Car Autonomous Driving Scaled Down, Launch Planned for 2028
Sep 2023	Kuo: Development of Apple Car Has ‘Lost All Visibility’
May 2023	The MacRumors Show: Ben Sullins Talks Apple Car
May 2023	Another Former Apple Employee Charged With Stealing Car Secrets for China
Mar 2023	Apple Car’s Self-Driving System Reportedly Advances, Could Use Sensors From iPhone LiDAR Supplier
Jan 2023	CES 2023: BMW Unveils Prototype Seemingly Set to Rival Apple Car
Dec 2022	Apple to Charge Under $100,000 for Apple Car, Launch Planned for 2026
Dec 2022	Apple Car Project Scaled Back and Delayed, Won’t Feature Full Self-Driving Capabilities
Aug 2022	Former Apple Engineer Pleads Guilty to Stealing Apple Car Secrets
Jul 2022	Apple Hires Former Lamborghini Executive to Help Lead Design of Electric Vehicle
Jul 2022	Apple Has Applied for 248 Car-Related Patents Since 2000
Jul 2022	Apple Car Design Goals: No Steering Wheel or Brake Pedal, Flat Seats for Sleeping, Large Screens, and More
Jun 2022	Volkswagen CEO Skeptical About Apple Car, Believes in CarPlay-Only Approach
May 2022	Apple Car Team Loses Yet Another Key Employee as Turnover Continues
May 2022	Longtime Ford Engineer Joins Apple Car Team
Apr 2022	TSMC’s Chip Revenue From Apple Predicted to Grow Nearly 25% in 2022 as Apple Silicon Transition Nears Completion
Mar 2022	Porsche Considering ‘Exciting’ Joint Projects With Apple
Mar 2022	Kuo: Apple Car Team Must Be Reorganized Soon to Meet 2025 Production Goal
Mar 2022	Apple Suppliers Envisioning Long-Term Apple Car Supply Chain
Feb 2022	Report: Apple Developing Apple Car Autopilot Function With South Korean Partner