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Apple’s highly anticipated autonomous vehicle project has taken a significant step forward, according to reports from Economic Daily News. The tech giant has reportedly made significant advancements in its self-driving system, and it may utilize LiDAR sensors from Chinese supplier Wenmao to bring it to life.
While Wenmao is already an established supplier of LiDAR scanners for Apple’s iPhone and iPad Pro, the company may require additional time to develop automotive-grade LiDAR sensors. However, its existing relationship with Apple and reputation for quality make a partnership between the two companies highly likely.
The report also notes that Apple may rely on long-term supply chain partners like Wenmao in the early stages of its development process. This would align with Apple’s approach to its hardware products, where the company takes an end-to-end approach to design and manufacturing.
Another Economic Daily News report suggests that Apple supplier Foxconn’s collaboration with German industrial giant Siemens to develop advanced driver assistance systems could complement Apple’s automotive strategy. Taiwanese companies like Foxconn are believed to have the necessary production capacity to build the vehicle.
Apple’s autonomous vehicle project has been in development for several years, and recent reports suggest that the company has scaled back its original plans. Bloomberg reported that the vehicle would have a much more conventional design with limited self-driving capabilities and a price tag under $100,000. This is a departure from Apple’s initial vision, which included a fully autonomous vehicle with no steering wheel or pedals.
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The shift in strategy has reportedly pushed the vehicle’s launch date to 2026. Apple will continue to test the vehicle until it is a viable consumer product. As with all of its hardware products, Apple’s focus will be on delivering a high-quality experience to its customers.
Apple’s entry into the autonomous vehicle market is highly anticipated, and the company has been making significant investments in the space. With its strong brand reputation and history of disrupting industries, many are eager to see what Apple has in store for the future of transportation.
