Apple has disclosed a 2028 launch date for its highly anticipated electric vehicle, known as Project Titan, which has been in development since 2015.
According to 9to5Mac, Project Titan, Apple’s electric vehicle endeavor, has maintained secrecy regarding details since its inception. The project faced delays and notable executive turnover, with an initial goal of creating a fully autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel. However, challenges arose, and Apple Vice President Kevin Lynch, leading the project since 2021, has now set a new target for the vehicle’s release in 2028.
While Apple has explored autonomous driving technology for nearly a decade, the impracticality of a car without a steering wheel became apparent. The 2028 Apple vehicle model is expected to feature limited autonomy, aligning more closely with offerings from other electric vehicle manufacturers, such as Tesla.
The Apple car will necessitate driver engagement, requiring passengers to remain attentive and ready to take control during autonomous driving, similar to Tesla’s Autopilot system. This positions the Apple vehicle as a Level 2+ autonomous system, stepping back from the initially planned Level 4 autonomy.
As international regulations for autonomous vehicles evolve, the system may be enhanced over time through software updates. This adaptive approach enables Apple to progressively improve the vehicle’s capabilities, aligning with future technological advancements and regulations.
Project Titan has encountered internal challenges, with Apple’s board urging CEO Tim Cook last year to present a definitive plan for the project’s future. The project has yet to produce a viable prototype, leading to skepticism among some employees who view the first Apple car as a potential “me-too product” conflicting with Apple’s typical innovation.
