Apple’s Electric iCar Could Face Delays Without Acquisition Strategy, Analyst Says

Little has been said about the long-awaited electric vehicle from Apple over the past 12 months, and according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, it is becoming increasingly unlikely that the EV will launch in the next few years unless Apple can make rapid progress.

The analyst suggests that Apple needs to adopt an acquisition strategy if it is serious about entering the automotive space. While Kuo doesn’t specify what kind of acquisitions Apple should make, it is clear that going it alone will prolong the development of the iCar. This strategy would also be at odds with the EV industry, where partnerships and consolidation are becoming increasingly common.

In December of last year, a comprehensive report about Apple’s EV indicated that the company had decided against developing a fully autonomous vehicle and would instead build one with traditional controls equipped with advanced driver-assistance systems. The report also mentioned that Apple had pushed back the car’s planned launch date from 2025 to 2026.

Industry insiders reveal that Kevin Lynch, the project leader for Apple’s car, initially pushed for the company to launch a Level 5 autonomous car in 2025. However, it now seems more likely that the iCar will only offer autonomous driving functionalities on highways.

The key to Apple’s autonomous technology package is an onboard computer system codenamed Denali. This system has the processing performance of four of Apple’s highest-end Mac chips combined. The powerful computer is necessary as the iCar will be equipped with cameras, radars, LiDAR, and a cloud-based component for artificial intelligence processing using Amazon Web Services for hosting.

One aspect that remains unclear is the platform that will underpin the vehicle. Apple has been searching for an architecture partner for several years and was rumored to be close to a deal with Hyundai and Kia in early 2021. However, talks between the companies ceased in February of that year.

Without a doubt, Apple’s entry into the automotive industry has faced numerous challenges and setbacks. The company’s secretive approach and lack of transparency have left many wondering about the progress of the iCar. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo’s recent comments only add to the uncertainty surrounding Apple’s electric vehicle ambitions.

It is clear that Apple needs to make significant strides in order to bring the iCar to market in a timely manner. Whether this involves acquiring a company with expertise in the automotive industry or partnering with an established automaker, Apple must take decisive action to overcome the obstacles it currently faces.

The EV industry is rapidly evolving, and competition is fierce. Companies like Tesla, Ford, and General Motors have already established themselves as major players in the electric vehicle market. If Apple wants to make a significant impact, it needs to accelerate its efforts and ensure that the iCar stands out from the competition.

In conclusion, the launch of Apple’s electric iCar may face further delays unless the company adopts an acquisition strategy or forms strategic partnerships. The EV industry is moving at a rapid pace, and Apple needs to make significant progress to stay relevant. Only time will tell if Apple can overcome the challenges and bring its highly anticipated electric vehicle to market.