Apple has been rumored to be developing a self-driving car for years now, with various reports and leaks suggesting that it’s been working on autonomous vehicle technology behind closed doors. More recently, news has broken that Apple’s self-driving car system has reportedly been advancing, with the company potentially using sensors from an iPhone LiDAR supplier. In this article, we’ll take a look at the latest developments and what they might mean for the future of autonomous driving technology.
The latest news from Economic Daily News reports that Apple has progressed with their self-driving system and may use Wenmao’s LiDAR sensors. Apple is expanding its testing efforts in this area, with Wenmao already providing LiDAR scanners for the iPhone and iPad Pro. Although it may take some time for Wenmao to develop automotive-grade LiDAR sensors, their quality and relationship with Apple make a partnership likely. It is expected that Apple will continue to test the self-driving system until it is a viable consumer product. Reports indicate that Foxconn’s collaboration with Siemens to make advanced driver assistance systems may be in line with Apple’s vehicle project. Taiwanese companies like Foxconn are believed to have sufficient production capacity to build the vehicle. However, Bloomberg reports that Apple scaled back its initial vision for the vehicle, dropping the proposed $120,000 price point and eliminating ambitions for a full self-driving system. The car is now expected to have a more conventional design with limited self-driving capabilities, and launch around 2026 for under $100,000.
In conclusion, with the development of Apple’s self-driving system and its potential use of iPhone LiDAR sensors, we could be witnessing the beginning of a new era in autonomous driving. While there are still several challenges to overcome, including regulatory approval and safety concerns, Apple’s technology and expertise may prove to be game-changers in the industry. With the company’s track record of innovation and the potential integration of its other products and services, such as Siri and Apple Maps, it will be interesting to see how the Apple Car project evolves in the coming years.
