Yes, you read that right. The smart technology manufacturer has recently announced that we could be seeing a range of cars on the market in 2024.
Will they be called iCars? iDrive? That’s yet to be seen. What we do know so far, is that the latest announcement is the result of many years of secretive work behind the scenes, on what they claim will be a “breakthrough battery technology”.
Apple has spent many years working on automotive technology, often switching between plans to make its own vehicle and construct its own brand of driverless car software. It could be as soon as 2024 that you will see them on the roads near you
A Breakthrough Battery
Apple’s claim to have made a breakthrough in battery technology is yet to be backed up by physical evidence, but they have said that it will not only decrease the cost of the batteries but also improve a vehicle’s range. One of the main issues with the influx of electric cars we have seen in recent years is the battery itself, which often does not last as long as you would like, and leads to higher production costs which in turn, leads to higher prices for the consumer. Tim Cook (Apple’s chief executive) has forecast a “massive change” in the car industry, having already confirmed that the company is working on autonomous car systems. Although little has been heard of the project in recent years, Apple has made no secret of the fact they have been testing driverless cars on the roads of California.
In recent years, they have filed patents for some, particularly interesting technology. We’ve seen patents for a holographic windshield navigation system, an advanced suspension system, and LiDAR sensor technology. Even if Apple’s line of cars were to feature all of these things, it is claimed that the battery will still be the main component in driving sales.
Phones, laptops . . . cars?
Apple is of course known best for its iPhones. What you may not know, is that they rely on manufacturing partners to assemble them, rather than doing it themselves. Cars, however, are faced with countless rules and regulations in comparison to a mobile device, so it is thought that they will also rely on outside companies to guide them through the process. Before they are able to sell their cars, they will of course have to reveal their full plans. We will be waiting patiently for further developments.
Apple is not the first technology company to try and break into the car market. Dyson has also tried previously but found the venture was commercially unviable and therefore pulled out of the project. Will Apple succeed where Dyson failed? That is yet to be seen. But if they are successful, and are able to deliver on their claims, we may just be seeing a serious new player in the car manufacturing market. It’s still a little early for other manufacturers to be getting nervous, but it wouldn’t hurt for them to be prepared.
Apple has dominated the mobile phone market for a number of years now, leaving only a little room for its competitors. Then, Apple tried to dominate the laptop market, and for the most part, did very well. Their new M1 chip is sure to go a long way in skyrocketing sales of their MacBooks, as it puts their devices way ahead of the competitors. So it is not too much of an assumption to guess they would be looking to fare the same way in the car manufacturing market. What would be the point otherwise, right? Apple has proven time and time again that they do not do anything in halves.
Varying Signals
So how reliable is this new information? Well, the story initially broke on Reuters, so the facts are solid. There is still a lot of room for speculation and vagueness, however.
In 2015 it was first rumored that Apple was looking to build its first car. It was not long after, in 2016, that the project was officially scrapped. Even more peculiar is the fact that over two hundred people were laid off from Apple’s car development team just last year. Seems a little strange, given the latest news.
Then there is of course the global pandemic that has been affecting all sectors in recent months, which could see the project pushed back to release in 2025 rather than 2024, if, at all. There is still plenty of time for them to change their minds and pull the plug on the project again. It all depends on how reliable this new battery really is.
When pressed for further information, Apple declined to comment.
What do you think of this latest announcement? We are looking forward to hearing some more news on this project. Check back for further details at a later date!
