July 3, 2023 – Apple’s foray into the automotive industry has been a subject of keen interest and speculation. While the tech giant has never officially confirmed its plans, a multitude of factors suggest that an Apple car is more than just a figment of imagination. Over the years, Apple has filed hundreds of patents related to automotive technology, and its recent association with a self-driving test facility in Arizona further fuels the notion that the company is venturing into the automobile realm. Furthermore, ongoing reports of personnel changes within Apple’s secretive car project team provide strong indications that progress is underway.
During an interview with CNBC on Friday morning, Daniel Ives, an analyst at Wedbush Securities, stated that the emergence of an Apple car is only a matter of time. Ives boldly predicted that Apple will unveil its car offering in 2026. It is worth noting that this is not the first time Ives has made such a claim. As early as 2021, he had mentioned in an investor report that Apple’s entry into the electric vehicle market is a question of “when” rather than “if.” Back then, there were reports of Apple engaging with potential automotive partners such as Hyundai and Nissan, with Ives likening these engagements to a “dating game.” He had even stated that the likelihood of Apple officially announcing a strategic partnership with a car manufacturer within the next three to six months was at least 85%.
However, as of yet, that prediction has not materialized. Nevertheless, Ives continues to stand by his belief that the Apple car will hit the market before 2026. This aligns with the assertions of renowned analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who previously stated that the initially projected launch date of 2025 had been pushed back.
It is worth noting that Apple’s venture into the automotive field may have commenced as early as 2014, prior to the release of the first-generation Apple Watch. This suggests that the company has dedicated nearly a decade of time and resources to this undisclosed project.
