While Apple may have given up on its car ambitions, the world is left to ponder what could have been. In between a decade of indecision, disagreements, and challenges, Apple worked on different prototypes of what could have been its first car, but now it will never be. In the latest edition of Power On, Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, spills the beans on several prototypes of
Apple Car
that were worked on in the last decade.
Five prototypes, $1 Billion a year
Gurman reports that Apple spent a staggering $1 billion annually on the project, creating at least five different prototypes over a decade. These included the "Bread Loaf," a minivan-inspired concept, and the "I-Beam," a pod-shaped vehicle without front or rear windows.
The 2020
design
resembled the Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle, featuring a futuristic van with unique elements like adjustable tinted windows, an all-glass sunroof, and identical front and back ends, giving the impression of always driving forward.
A luxurious bubble
The car's interior went through several iterations. Still, the main idea was a minimalist interface with seats similar to those in private jets or limousines. Passengers would feel as though they were in a "contoured bubble," with seating for four and the ability to transform into recliners or footrests.
Some designs included a giant TV for videos and FaceTime. In contrast, others featured iPad-sized displays for easy access to controls. Apple even developed a special air-conditioning system that would push air along the sides of the cabin, much like in modern, high-end aeroplanes.
The evolution of the bread loaf design
The earliest design, said to be created by the iPhone-designer Jony Ive, resembled a modern take on the 1950s Volkswagen microbus, internally dubbed the "Bread Loaf." Subsequent versions evolved, one looking nearly identical to the 2017 Volkswagen ID Buzz
prototype
and another featuring a more dramatic, wedge-shaped front.
The final design: gull-wing Doors and swivelling seats
In the car's final major design, sliding van doors were replaced with gull-wing doors, similar to those on a Tesla Model X. Initially designed for Level 5 autonomy, the vehicle had pinched curves on the front and back, leaving little room for windows. When Apple switched to Level 2 autonomy, they added a steering wheel, pedals, and windows, with two forward-facing seats that could swivel.
A dream put off
The cancellation of Project Titan is a significant setback for Apple, which had hoped to diversify its revenue streams beyond the iPhone. As this chapter in Apple's history comes to a close, it's sad that the company's futuristic vision for the automotive industry will never be realised.
English (US) ·