Apple’s much-anticipated electric car project has taken a significant step forward with reports indicating that the company has made strides in developing its self-driving system. According to sources, Apple is expanding testing and has heavily relied on LiDAR sensors to improve the vehicle’s self-driving capabilities. The company may source automotive-grade LiDAR sensors from Chinese supplier Wenmao, which already provides LiDAR scanners for the iPhone and iPad Pro.

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Reports also suggest that Foxconn, one of Apple’s suppliers, has partnered with German industrial giant Siemens to make advanced driver assistance systems that could align with Apple’s automotive strategy. As Taiwanese companies like Foxconn are believed to have the sufficient production capacity to build the vehicle, this partnership could prove significant.

Apple’s long-rumored electric vehicle is expected to feature some form of self-driving facility that the tech giant has been testing for several years. The vehicle is expected to be priced under $100,000 and may have limited self-driving capabilities, allowing it to drive itself on highways.

Apple’s use of Wenmao’s LiDAR sensors is a significant development, as the company may take some time to develop capacity for automotive-grade LiDAR sensors. However, Wenmao’s quality and existing relationship with Apple could make a partnership likely, especially as Apple is likely to choose long-term supply chain partners like Wenmao early in the development process.

While reports suggest that Apple has scaled back its initial vision for the vehicle, the company’s advancements in developing its self-driving system and partnerships with suppliers like Foxconn and Siemens indicate that the project is moving forward. With testing ongoing and a launch date set for 2026, Apple’s electric car project is sure to be one of the most highly anticipated tech releases of the decade.

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