Things have been moving along at a nice clip when it comes to rumors regarding the Apple Car. And it was certainly starting to look like Apple may have landed a deal with either Hyundai or Kia to help it along further. But it turns out that might not be the case after all.
That’s according to a report from Bloomberg over the weekend. The publication states that both Hyundai Motor Company and Kia Motors Corporation (the latter of which being an affiliate of the former) are no longer in talks with Apple to develop an autonomous vehicle. Interestingly, the report also states that Apple actually suspended conversations with the companies weeks ago. But, while those talks have been paused, the report indicates Apple is holding conversations with other auto manufacturers, too.
The carmakers, Hyundai and Kia, both stated that they are in talks with other companies regarding autonomous EVs, but no decisions have been made to actually move forward.
As for Apple, things are still moving forward, it seems. Apple’s been working on this project since 2015, as noted in the report:
Reports surrounding Apple’s possible foray into the global market for automobiles re-emerged recently after going quiet since development first began in 2015. Apple has sought to keep its plans for an EV shrouded in secrecy, given the project’s potential to upend the industry — similar to how its iPhones have shaken up the consumer-electronics market. There are now millions of design-conscious shoppers globally devoted to the tech giant.
Even with this latest development, we’re probably not going to stop hearing about the Apple Car anytime soon. Indeed, the latest reports have leaned into the self-driving angle, with CNBC reporting the vehicle will be fully autonomous. What’s more, a separate report stated the upcoming vehicle will not have a steering wheel at all.
This latest report is interesting in part because, not too long ago it was reported that Apple had invested more than $3 billion in Kia to spur on manufacturing for the upcoming Apple Car.
As it stands right now, this may be a bit of a road block, but Apple’s probably not giving up on its push into the automotive industry anytime soon.