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Autonomous vehicles are not a new trend among tech companies. We have constantly heard that a big tech firm wants to launch an autonomous EV with some magical technology. However, if you’re an Apple fan waiting to see an i-branded EV from the Cupertino company, we have bad news for you.
According to Mark Gurman on Bloomberg, Apple had decided to push back its car launch to 2028. The initial time frame for launching the Apple EV was 2026. Yet, the company has stayed tight-lipped about the reasons behind the delay. Meanwhile, that’s not the only disappointing news about the Apple EV. The report continues that the promised vehicle was downgraded to Level 2+ autonomy after the board meetings.
Apple delays its EV launch until 2028
For those unfamiliar with the term, Level 2+ is considered a semi-automated driving system that uses advanced sensors to enhance safety. Given that the current most advanced autonomous car level is Level 5, Apple’s EV is far behind modern tech, and it’ll have a hard time convincing potential buyers in 2028. In comparison, Tesla’s Autopilot is rated at Level 2. Mercedes also relies on Level 3 for its EVs in the US market.
While initial reports claimed Apple’s EV would be launched with Level 5 autonomous driving, further reports stated Apple has lowered its bar and will incorporate Level 4 autonomous driving in its vehicle. Meanwhile, today’s report insists on Level 2+ autonomous driving. Let’s hope Apple doesn’t cancel the project at all after multiple downgrades. As Gurman says, “Either the company is finally able to deliver this product with reduced expectations, or top executives may seriously reconsider the project’s existence.”
Apple EV has reportedly been under development since 2014. The tech firm has also invested piles of money into the project. If Apple cancels the entire project, hundreds of millions of dollars will go down the drain. Meanwhile, launching an EV with outdated autonomous levels gives Apple no chance to compete against Tesla, Mercedes, Rivian, and others.