Report: Apple Developing Apple Car Autopilot Function With South Korean Partner

Apple has developed the chip modules and packages for the autopilot functions of its rumored Apple Car with the help of an outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) company based in South Korea, claims a new report today.

vanarama apple car concept

Apple Car concept by Vanarama based on patents filed by Apple

OSAT is a service that suppliers often provide to partners that involves semiconductor assembly, packaging and testing of integrated circuits. According to TheElec, the project started last year and is expected to be completed in 2023.

The South Korean OSAT firm was working on the module for a chip that operates the autopilot function, much like those used by Tesla, sources said.

Such chips, which oversee AI computations, usually integrate a neural processing unit, CPU, GPU, memory as well as camera interface among other functions.

The project is said to be led by Apple's regional offices in South Korea. According to the report, Apple's offices received the bill of material (BOM) rights for the project and chose the South Korean OSAT firm to fulfill the order.

TheElec links the move with Foxconn's construction of all-electric vehicle plants in the U.S. and Thailand, which the report claims will provide the assembly line for Apple Car. Foxconn says it aims to have the plants operational by 2023, but the suggestion that they will be used by Apple to mass produce its autonomous vehicle has not been corroborated.

Apple has reportedly been in the process of selecting suppliers for its long-rumored electric vehicle since December last year, when Apple representatives are said to have visited South Korea to meet with local suppliers, following a preliminary visit in the summer of 2021.

Apple's interest in Korean manufacturers has purportedly led to a heated battle to secure a place in Apple's supply chain, with Apple particularly interested in Korea's battery manufacturing capabilities.

According to previous reports, Apple is expected to complete the selection of suppliers for its vehicle by the end of this year, after which it will start full-scale development and mass production within the next two to three years.

Reuters believes Apple is aiming to begin production on a car in 2024, but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes it will be 2025 to 2027 at the earliest before an Apple Car is ready for launch. Kuo said he would not be surprised to see the launch schedule extended to 2028 or later.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, work on the Apple Car is in the early stages, but Apple is aiming for a 2025 launch.

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Top Rated Comments

skippermonkey Avatar
44 months ago
I wish you'd stop using pictures of that 1960's Amphicar…
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Leon Ze Professional Avatar
44 months ago
I'm sorry, but all these concept car images of the Apple car are simply ghastly!
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ghanwani Avatar
44 months ago

I'm sorry, but all these concept car images of the Apple car are simply ghastly!
Wait until you see the real thing complete with notch and all.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
neilw Avatar
44 months ago
PLEASE STOP USING THAT CONCEPT RENDER. IT IS HIDEOUS.

That is all.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
44267547 Avatar
44 months ago

Once autopilot tech becomes good enough, why would anyone want an Apple Car
Well considering, no one here knows what the Apple car possibilities offer, what reason wouldn’t somebody not want an Apple Car?
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Wildkraut Avatar
44 months ago

I would buy a electric car as long it can do this concept.

Removable battery pack - go to Station (like petrol station) remove the battery from the car like a long cubic shape and put them into the charging dock, pay for the fresh battery and install back to the car and drive off (all done in between 2-5 mins).

Just pay for the battery performance as low/medium/long mileages - that figure should include AC heater/cooling.
Apple and removable battery? ?
They will probably offer a iCarCare for $20k or monthly $500, and that’s it.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)