Apple has decided to cancel its much-anticipated electric car project, according to a source familiar with the matter. The project, known internally as Project Titan, was initiated a decade ago but will now be discontinued. Instead, several employees involved in the project will be reassigned to the company’s artificial intelligence division, as reported by Bloomberg News.
This shift in focus towards generative AI has sparked optimism among investors regarding Apple’s future endeavors in the field. Although the tech giant has been relatively reserved in the realm of AI compared to competitors like Google and Microsoft, this strategic move could mark a significant step forward for the company.
The decision to halt work on the electric car project comes at a time when the industry is facing challenges such as high interest rates and subdued consumer demand for electric vehicles. This trend has prompted major car manufacturers, including Tesla, to reevaluate their investment plans and prioritize hybrid vehicles over fully electric ones.
Despite initial plans to release a vehicle by 2024 or 2025, progress on Apple’s electric car project has been inconsistent. The company previously laid off employees from the project group in 2019 and shifted the design of the concept car from an autonomous, steering wheel-free model to one with advanced driver-assistance features.
While the cancellation of the Apple Car project may come as a disappointment to some, the company’s renewed focus on AI signals a strategic shift that could have far-reaching implications for its future endeavors. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Apple’s decision to pivot towards generative AI reflects its commitment to innovation and adaptability in a rapidly changing landscape.
