Korean Companies Battling to Enter Apple Car Supply Chain

Apple is in the process of selecting suppliers for its long-rumored electric vehicle, according to a report from Korea's ETNews.

Apple car wheel icon feature triad
The report claims that Apple representatives visited South Korea in December last year to meet with local suppliers, following a preliminary visit in the summer of 2021. In particular, Apple is said to be looking for a number of vehicle electronic parts manufacturers with experience in mass production to provide core components for the vehicle.

Apple's interest in Korean manufacturers has purportedly led to a heated battle to secure a place in Apple's supply chain, and some suppliers are said to have formed a "Task Force" to actively respond to Apple's requests. Sources claim that Apple offered equity investment to at least one local electronic parts manufacturer in return for doubled production capacity.

Suppliers have purportedly not been given exact information about the vehicle's specifications due to discussions still being at an early stage. Even so, suppliers are said to be conscious of the need for confidentiality with Apple's vehicle project, with there being concern that leaks would likely lead to the company being removed as a supplier candidate.

Apple is reported to have a special interest in Korea's battery manufacturing capabilities and discussed electric vehicle batteries with LG and SK. Apple has allegedly insisted that it wants to develop and manufacture Apple car battery materials directly and requested intense secrecy. Some suppliers have refused the opportunity to work with Apple due to the high level of control it demanded.

After initiating face-to-face contact with some of the suppliers, Apple plans to continue discussions via online meetings. Apple is expected to complete the selection of suppliers for its vehicle by the end of 2022, followed by the initiation of full-scale development, public announcement, and mass production within the next two to three years.

Tags: ETNews, Korea

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Top Rated Comments

DelayedGratificationGene Avatar
41 months ago

One has to assume that Apple is still deluding itself that it can provide meaningful autonomous driving sometime in the near future. That is something in which I have no interest. Even without such technology, I would prefer to stick with products from companies with a long history of building vehicles.
That’s what they said about Apple and smartphones…
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SpotOnT Avatar
41 months ago
Looking forward to all the humorous stories to come in a few years:

“the latest carOS update bricked my car and I can’t get to work this morning!”

“The new carOS update is so buggy, the thing won’t display its charge status and the windshield wipers randomly come on”

Fun times ahead.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
filmantopia Avatar
41 months ago

Why is apple entering this market? 3 billion isn't enough?
Trillion. That's a thousand billions.

The reason they're doing it is because they believe they have something meaningful or even profound to offer in this category.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Bug-Creator Avatar
41 months ago
- Manned mission to Mars has been out 15 years for the past 50 years
- Fusion power has been out 20 years for 40 years


followed by the initiation of full-scale development, public announcement, and mass production within the next two to three years.
Mkay.....
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
suns93 Avatar
41 months ago

Why is apple entering this market? 3 billion isn't enough?
They have the $3T size precisely because investors believe Apple will continue to grow and expand - which necessitates new products at times. Otherwise why would investors pay a price to invest that is 30x more than the income the company brings in?
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DelayedGratificationGene Avatar
41 months ago

Why is apple entering this market? 3 billion isn't ??…

Why is apple entering this market? 3 billion isn't enough?
Apple products are always years ahead of the competition and their innovation and benefits for humanity are matched by no one. That’s why.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)