Amidst Apple's now-abandoned car aspirations, the world is left to contemplate the potential innovations that could have emerged. A decade of internal strife, uncertainties, and obstacles culminated in the demise of Apple's car project, leaving behind a trail of tantalizing prototypes that will never see the light of day. In the latest release of "Power On" by Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, a glimpse into Apple's secretive car development journey sheds light on what could have been.
Reportedly, Apple poured a staggering $1 billion annually into the project, producing at least five distinct prototypes over the course of a decade. Among these were the "Bread Loaf," drawing inspiration from the minivan concept, and the "I-Beam," a pod-shaped vehicle devoid of traditional front or rear windows.
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One of the more intriguing designs envisioned by Apple in 2020 resembled the Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle, boasting a futuristic van with innovative features like adjustable tinted windows, an all-glass sunroof, and uniform front and rear facades, creating a perpetual sense of forward motion.
Internally, Apple's car interior underwent numerous iterations, aiming for a minimalist aesthetic akin to private jets or limousines. Passengers were envisioned to be cocooned within a "contoured bubble," with seating for four adaptable into recliners or footrests. Some iterations even included a large TV for entertainment or FaceTime sessions, while others opted for iPad-sized displays for streamlined control access. Notably, Apple developed a specialized air-conditioning system to emulate the airflow dynamics of luxury airplanes.
The evolution of Apple's designs saw an initial nod to the iconic Volkswagen microbus, dubbed the "Bread Loaf," reminiscent of Jony Ive's early concepts. Subsequent iterations embraced modernity, mirroring the 2017 Volkswagen ID Buzz prototype or adopting a more aggressive wedge-shaped front.
In its final major design iteration, Apple ventured into gull-wing doors akin to Tesla's Model X, initially intended for Level 5 autonomy. However, with a shift to Level 2 autonomy, conventional driving controls such as a steering wheel and pedals were reintroduced, alongside forward-facing swivelling seats.
The cancellation of Project Titan represents a significant setback for Apple, which sought to diversify revenue beyond its iPhone empire. As the curtains close on this chapter of Apple's history, the unrealized dreams of revolutionizing the automotive industry serve as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of technological innovation.
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