Apple and German automaker Porsche reportedly held negotiations last year on “possible joint projects” ”“ this is what Porsche CEO Oliver Blume revealed during an investors conference call.
On Friday, Reuters reported that the Cupertino-based giant and the German sportscar maker held talks back in 2021 that involved “joint projects” or what many are considering: the Apple Car (though other developments could be considered).
“Managers at sportscar maker Porsche late last year travelled to the United States to discuss possible joint projects with iPhone maker Apple as well as with some other tech companies, Porsche’s CEO said on Friday.”
However, the report does not mention the Apple Car, but Apple’s software that is found on every major carmaker screen: CarPlay.
“We already have Apple CarPlay, we will expand on that,” said Blume in a conference call with investors. Porche’s Taycan Turbo EV is the first vehicle to feature Apple Music integration without Apple’s CarPlay software ”“ a rare approach for Apple.
When it comes to the Apple Car, there is a possibility that both corporations would cooperate to manufacture the electric vehicle. However, there will still be competition between them as Porsche is already transitioning from gas to electric vehicle.
Porsche AG discussed possible joint projects with Apple https://t.co/ZDgENmOxMH pic.twitter.com/DHOqUzmc3D
— Reuters (@Reuters) March 18, 2022
On Tuesday, reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported that the Apple Car executive team has been dissolved, with high doubts if the vehicle’s slated launch year of 2025 can be taken seriously. He also said that reorganization is needed.
The Cupertino-based giant is yet to name the carmaker, with the company sending a delegation to South Korea earlier this year to discuss essential parts and components for the electric vehicle with local car suppliers.
Meanwhile, Apple’s CarKey software feature that was unveiled back in WWDC 2020 might expand to include more cars in the future, as the feature is expected to arrive in Hyundai and Genesis vehicles this summer.
