The question is… is the car really coming and can we trust the new timeline?
First thing first then, is Apple working on car tech?
Yes, a100%.
But is it working on producing itsvery own car, under the moniker iCar, or something more futuristic?
I dont think so.I hate to be a party-pooper, but Im afraid well have to wait alotlonger.
The car wouldnt be allowed to drive anywhere.
What, are you going to buy a car with a detachable steering wheel?
That leaves 14 states without legislation either its pending, or they have yet to take any action.
I mean, can you imagine selling a car that owners can only use in some states?
Bonus points if theyre people whove previously worked at an automaker.
The recent hiring ofChristofer CJ Moore, previous director for Teslas Autopilot software attracted a lot of attention.
But Apples also lost a fair slew of people whove previously worked on self-driving tech over the years.
Clearly, this is a department in flux.
In other words, theres a pool of highly specialist practitioners in niche tech who move around.
Must cause delays, just sayin.
It could also bulk up the individual cells in the battery and free up space inside the battery pack.
It was also alleged that Apple is planning to use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) in this battery.
This is to address the safety problems of lithium-ion batteries.
Strange, if true.
Tesla already uses iron-phosphate for medium range cars made in our Shanghai factory.
A monocell is electrochemically impossible, as max voltage is ~100X too low.
Maybe they meant cells bonded together, like our structural battery pack?
He also cast doubt on the use of LFP chemicals to answer the issue.
Apple doesnt own a semiconductor factory
Did you know Apple was the No.
But if Apple was planning to manufacture cars, itd probably need a whole lot more.
Even worse, a modern electric vehicle can use up to3,000 chips.
And the auto industry has beenplagued with shortagesall year!
Even if Apple is a prized chip customer, itll be in line with all the other automakers.
These are carmakers who areshipping cars without some of their functionalitiesdue to the chip shortage.
Or, leaving them on the factory floor awaiting that final ingredient before they can hit the showroom.
Semiconductor companies are scrambling to build factories stateside to catch up on production.
Apple is undeniably making auto software.
And sure, it might make something to test it in.
But Im not convinced this translates to car building.
Or getting into a partnership withLucid Motors, as some claim.
Were in an era where automakers release handfuls of cars each year.
Apple is trailing already established OEMs, and Im not sure it could ever catch up.
At least not by 2025, Id be ready to put money on it.
Story byCate Lawrence
Cate Lawrence is an Australian tech journo living in Berlin.
