Apple’s success in the smartphone and tablet industry is legendary, and we all know that iTunes is much, much more than just about the music these days. With its fellow rivals in the consumer electronics space looking at bigger things, such as autonomous cars, Apple is now reportedly working on a vehicle of its own, though we don’t think it’s a self-driving car like what Google has in store.
A report from The Wall Street Journal cites “people familiar with the matter,” claiming that Apple has “several hundred employees” working in secret to develop an electric vehicle with the company’s branding. The project is known under the codename Titan, and the Journal claims the vehicle being worked on is similar to a minivan in terms of design.
There is a chance, however, that Apple won’t release a company-branded vehicle. The report makes it clear that Apple often dips into certain forms of technology and potential product releases to test the waters, though these projects ultimately don’t lead into anything for public consumption. Considering the rumor that Apple is working on a vehicle, this could mean years upon years for the vehicle to get federal certification and obtain other requirements.
Still, the Journal claims that the project is large-scale, with hundreds of people working on it and “senior people involved” suggesting that Apple is “serious” with the project. For example, the report states that Apple executives have gone to Austria to talk contract with companies such as Magna Steyr. Also, Apple has designers with experience in the automotive industry, including industrial designer Marc Newson, who had previously created a Ford concept vehicle.