Apple Car Faces Delays with Launch Targeted for 2028; Autonomous Driving Leveled Down

Jan 26, 2024 09:01 PM EST

(Photo : PEXELS/ Kartikey Das)

The Apple Car, a much-discussed but non-existent product, has been surrounded by persistent rumors and delays. Back in 2016, initial reports hinted at its development in Germany, with a potential launch expected no earlier than 2019.

By 2017, clues hinted about Apple abandoning the project. In 2018, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggested a launch window between 2023 and 2025. Recent news hinted that ongoing development is happening for Apple Car as the launch target is delayed until 2028.

Apple Car Faces Delay for Years

This much awaited new product from Apple has caught the attention of many. Considering it's a new venture from the tech giant and the years news about it had been circulating, indeed there's a big possibility that many are watching when will Apple Car be available for purchase.

In 2019 Apple laid off 200 employees from its autonomous vehicle group. This further strengthen speculations that this autonomous driving may never materialize. Over the years, numerous reports have surfaced, consistently revealing a recurring theme: Apple's project remains in perpetual postponement, leaving its actual release date uncertain.

According a recent news from Bloomberg, as cited in Mashable Apple has reaffirmed its commitment to developing the Apple Car, engaging in a series of discussions involving project leader Kevin Lynch, CEO Tim Cook, and the company's board.

Reports revealed the numerous reasons why the launching of Apple Car hangs. Originally targeted for a 2026 debut boasting advanced self-driving capabilities, Apple has redefined its approach to prioritize more fundamental driver-assistance functionalities.

Apple's vehicle initiative, known as Project Titan or T172, has experienced a tumultuous journey since its inception in 2014. There have been personnel layoffs, workforce limits, delays, strategy realignments, and changes in leadership pertaining to the project.

This internal reorientation is seen as a crucial stage for Apple, where the corporation needs to decide whether to pursue the project as a whole or deliver the device with fewer expectations.

Apple has engaged in dialogues with potential European manufacturing partners to implement this revised strategy, intending to introduce an enhanced system supporting Level 4 autonomy following the initial launch.

Autonomous Driving Leveled Down

In order to bring the Apple Car to market by 2028, Apple has opted for a simplified design, departing from its original vision of a fully self-driving vehicle at SAE Level 5 autonomy. The revised plan limits the autonomous system to "Level 2+," aligning with the anticipated 2028 launch date.

As reported in MacRumors, following the decision to abandon its initial driverless aspirations, Apple set its sights on a vehicle equipped with Level 4 autonomous capabilities, permitting the car's system to assume control in specific situations, like highway driving. However, this proved to be an overly ambitious endeavor.

Apple is now honing its attention on driver-assist features resembling the operation of Tesla vehicles, opting for a Level 2+ system. Level 2 autonomous driving encompasses steering and brake/acceleration assistance while the driver maintains responsibility for the vehicle and must remain vigilant on the road.

It was also reported that the possible cost range of the Apple Car, and it comes in at a staggering $100,000.