Calling it a Loss
Apple Abruptly Cancels Electric Car Project After 10 Years of Development
Apple has made a significant decision to halt its ambitious electric car project, known internally as Project Titan, after a decade of development. This move marks the end of a secretive plan to build a self-driving electric vehicle, which was considered one of the most ambitious endeavors in Apple's history. The company's executives have informed teams working on the project that hundreds of employees will be reassigned to divisions focusing on artificial intelligence.
The decision to cancel the electric car project comes amidst challenges in cracking self-driving technology and a slowdown in the electric vehicle market. Despite significant investments estimated to be in the billions and involving around 2,000 employees, Apple has decided to shift its focus away from building a car. While some employees will transition to AI projects, there are expectations of layoffs within the affected workforce, although the exact number remains undisclosed.
Apple's endeavor to develop an autonomous vehicle was shrouded in secrecy, with analysts anticipating a potential rival to Tesla's electric cars priced around $100,000. The cancellation of the project has left many industry observers and Apple enthusiasts disappointed, as the prospect of an Apple-branded car had the potential to revolutionize the auto industry. However, analysts noted that even before this decision, Apple was still years away from potentially releasing its own vehicle.
The development journey of Apple's electric car involved testing advanced technologies on public roads, including attempts at creating a car without traditional controls like a steering wheel or pedals. Despite these innovative efforts, technological limitations led to the abandonment of this concept. The cancellation of the project underscores the challenges and complexities involved in developing cutting-edge automotive technology.
In conclusion, Apple's abrupt cancellation of its electric car project signifies a strategic shift towards prioritizing artificial intelligence over autonomous vehicles. This decision reflects the evolving landscape of technology and highlights the intricate challenges faced by even tech giants like Apple in venturing into new frontiers within the automotive industry.