Exploring Apple Car Designs: A Glimpse into What Might Have Been

The Apple car faced challenges stemming from corporate indecision, technological hurdles, and market realities, ultimately resulting in a missed opportunity for the company’s future. In other news, new MacBook Air models featuring M3 chips have been introduced, the Vision Pro addresses some issues, and Apple briefly faces the risk of fines in the EU. A live Q&A about Apple’s electric car effort and its future is scheduled for Monday, March 11, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Questions can be sent to [email protected].

The automotive market appeared to be the next battleground for Silicon Valley, especially in self-driving technology. As cars evolved into computers on wheels, Apple saw an ideal opportunity for disruption by designing a stylish car with its operating system, coupled with services like self-driving features, Apple Music, and TV+ streaming. However, the Apple car project faced challenges, resulting in a missed opportunity for the company.

Apple’s car project faced challenges from the start, with indecision, disagreements on strategy, and technological hurdles. Disagreements among executives, including CEO Tim Cook, ranged from whether to build a car to specific interior features. The fluctuating goals for the car’s autonomy level and a changing landscape in the electric vehicle market contributed to the decision to abandon the project. While redirecting resources to generative AI features makes sense, the discontinuation remains a significant disappointment with potential long-term implications for Apple.

The envisioned design and features of the Apple car were poised to make a remarkable impact, offering a futuristic van with distinctive characteristics. The design, reminiscent of the Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle, featured rounded edges, dark black windows with adjustable tint, an all-glass sunroof, and a unique exterior with whitewall tires and a black center. The symmetric front and back created a perpetual forward appearance. The interior aimed for minimalism, incorporating seats akin to those in private jets or limousines, providing a contoured bubble-like experience. The car’s potential stood out in the competitive electric vehicle market.

The Apple car underwent various design iterations, reflecting the company’s commitment to innovation. Some designs featured a large central TV for videos and FaceTime, while others incorporated iPad-sized displays suspended from the roof for frequent controls. Apple even conceived a unique air-conditioning system directing airflow along the sides of the cabin, reminiscent of high-end airplanes.

One notable design, internally known as the Bread Loaf, was a modern take on the 1950s Volkswagen microbus, envisioned by the legendary Jony Ive. Another design closely resembled the 2017 Volkswagen ID Buzz prototype. A third variation maintained the overall design but featured a more pronounced front, resembling a downward-pointed wedge. The fourth and final design, resembling the Canoo, garnered enthusiasm and commitment from Apple’s leadership in 2020, signaling a significant push into development.

In the Apple car’s final major design iteration, which still drew inspiration from the original Bread Loaf idea, the notable change was replacing the sliding van door with gull-wing doors similar to those on a Tesla Model X. This design, characterized by dramatic pinched curves in the front and back, deviated from a traditional driver-centric approach. Originally designed for Level 5 autonomy, the decision to shift to around Level 2 autonomy necessitated the addition of a steering wheel and pedals, along with front and rear windows. Ultimately, the car featured two seats facing forward that could swivel.

The various innovative and visually striking designs conceived for the Apple car, while not destined for production, could have potentially excited buyers with their unique features and aesthetics. Despite the challenges and complexities of the auto industry, Apple’s success in the equally competitive consumer electronics market suggested there might have been a way to make the car project work. As Apple steps back from the EV industry, it will observe competitors like Tesla and Rivian attempt to navigate the market, leaving the possibility that some aspects of Apple’s visionary car designs might influence future developments in the electric vehicle space.