A look into the future - Apple and e-cars (concept)

According to a media report, Apple has scaled back its plans for the development of an electric car and is now planning a market launch in 2028. Instead of developing a largely self-driving car, the iPhone company now wants to limit itself to driving assistance ProfitPath functions, reports the financial service Bloomberg.

According to the report, the change in strategy was decided after meetings between the Board of Directors and Apple CEO Tim Cook and project manager Kevin Lynch. Rumors about Apple's car project have been around for years. The company is said to have previously shown prototypes to potential partners from the automotive industry before deciding to initially focus on software for autonomous driving, according to media reports.

It is known that Apple is sending converted test cars for self-driving vehicles on the road in Silicon Valley. Former Tesla manager Doug Field, who acted as project manager, moved to Ford in 2021, where he is responsible for the electric car business. According to Bloomberg, Field's doubts about whether Apple would even bring a car to market were one reason for his departure.

The report states that Apple has been working on drive technology as well as interior and exterior design for years. The hope within the company is now to complete a full vehicle prototype with the reduced targets. Apple has already held talks with potential production partners in Europe about the new approach.

Driving assistance technologies can include functions such as lane keeping, maintaining distance and performing overtaking maneuvers. However, the driver remains responsible and must be ready to take control at all times.

According to media reports, Apple originally planned to launch its car on the market when the software was ready for largely autonomous driving. However, the company then realized that it would not achieve this in the foreseeable future.