Flurry of Rumours Suggest Apple is Planning Autonomous Car

Apple Logo StoreApple is set to reach beyond computers and mobile devices by manufacturing a self-driving electric car, and has been meeting with expert car manufacturers and automotive suppliers, according to a number of reports.

The technology giant is interested in extending beyond simply automotive software or technology that will integrate iPhones into existing electronics, and is hoping to produce an entire vehicle, according to senior sources within the motor industry.

Apple is gathering advice and researching where the technology and market interest in connected and electric cars currently stands, but is planning on producing its car by itself, rather than in partnership with an existing automotive manufacturer.

According to some reports, the project, codenamed Titan, is looking to produce a minivan-style vehicle that will include support to integrate many other pieces of Apple technology and software, including the iPhone and iPad.

While the project is still in the very early planning stages, and it would take several years to complete the design process and obtain safety certifications before we saw an iCar roll out onto the forecourt, the size of the project and senior figures taking an active part suggest that the project is a serious endeavor.

Last year, Apple hired industrial designer Marc Newson, who has created a concept car for Ford and is a close friend of Apples design guru Jony Ive. While branching out into the motor industry would require a huge investment of capital on Apples part, its recent excellent performance may well have boosted its confidence in this area, and spurred it to take on its next ambitious vision.