Sources with Bloomberg have learned that Apple is now planning to launch its first vehicle, an EV, in 2028. Some of the original plans for the vehicle have reportedly changed, however, as the car is expected to roll out now with “more limited features,” including a downgrade to Level 2+ autonomy—something that would put it more in line with what can be found in modern Teslas. Apple has reportedly been working on its EV project (“Titan”) for nearly a decade now.
Levels of driving automation (per SAE International):
- Level 0: Warnings and momentary assistance (Automatic braking, blind spot and lane departure warnings)
- Level 1: Steering OR brake/acceleration support (Lane centering OR adaptive cruise control)
- Level 2: Steering AND brake/acceleration support (Lane centering AND adaptive cruise control at the same time)
- Level 3: Drive the vehicle under limited circumstances (Traffic jam chauffeur)
- Level 4: Drive the vehicle under limited circumstances (Local driverless taxi; may lack pedals or steering wheel)
- Level 5: Drive the vehicle in all conditions (Can drive everywhere)
Apple is developing more basic driver-assistance features in line with current Tesla Inc. capabilities, according to the people with knowledge of the plans. The car will use what is known as a Level 2+ system, the people said. That’s a downgrade from previously planned Level 4 technology — and, before that, even more ambitious aims for a Level 5 system.