The demise of Apple, Inc.’s self-driving car project has left many pondering what could have been, and on Sunday, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman shared tantalizing insights into the potential design of an Apple car.
Gurman Unveils Apple Car’s Potential: In 2014, Apple shifted focus from the iPhone to an electric vehicle, believing this move could revolutionize the market with a winning combination of hardware, software, and services.
The failure of the project, Gurman noted, was a product of indecision, technical hurdles, and the harsh realities of the auto industry. He described it as a “massive disappointment that will reshape the company’s trajectory for years to come.” Despite this setback, Gurman insisted that no other project could have bolstered Apple’s revenue quite like a car.
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Exploring Apple Car’s Design: Gurman offered a glimpse into the scrapped Apple car’s potential design, emphasizing its unique features that would have dazzled consumers.
The circa-2020 Apple car design, as described by Gurman, shared similarities with Canoo’s Lifestyle Vehicle, sporting a futuristic van appearance with curved edges, dark tinted windows, and an adjustable all-glass sunroof. The vehicle boasted a distinctive all-white exterior paired with whitewall tires and a black center, promising a look unparalleled in the market.
Inside, the Apple car would have embodied a minimalist interface, offering luxurious seating akin to private jets and limousines. Gurman painted a picture of a comfortable cocoon-like space that could accommodate four occupants, with seats transitioning seamlessly between standard, reclining, and footrest configurations.
Various iterations of the design included a prominent central TV screen for entertainment and video calls, along with innovative controls suspended from the roof. The columnist detailed five distinct design variations considered throughout the car’s development.
- A retro-inspired design reminiscent of a 1950s Volkswagen microbus, internally dubbed “Bread Loaf.”
- A prototype bearing a striking resemblance to Volkswagen’s 2017 ID Buzz concept, hinting at potential collaboration.
- An alternative version featuring a wedge-shaped front for a more dramatic aesthetic appeal.
- A design akin to Canoo’s paradigm, which stirred enthusiasm within Apple’s leadership and spurred further development efforts.
- A modified “Bread Loaf” concept with gull-wing doors akin to Tesla’s Model X design.
As Apple wavered between fully autonomous and semi-autonomous (around Level 2) driving capabilities, the final design incorporated traditional elements like a steering wheel, pedals, and windows. Gurman lamented the loss of these innovative designs, noting their potential to captivate consumers despite practical limitations.
Apple’s stock closed Friday’s trading session with a 1.02% gain, reaching $170.73, according to Benzinga Pro data.
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