Apple is reportedly in the early stages of producing its own line of electric cars. While Tesla already has some form of a self-driving automobile on the market, there will likely be plenty of room for other major companies to add theirs and provide consumers with more options in this young section of the industry. However, with the idea of more companies throwing their hats into the self-driving car ring, would it be a good idea for Apple to follow through, given its history and expertise?
As previously reported, Apple could be starting to produce vehicles as early as 2024. A main part of the initial report is that the company is heavily investing in a "next level" monocell battery design that would make it the 'LED' of car batteries - providing more efficiency and a longer life than the typical battery in cars today. While it's not yet specified if Apple would produce its own cars or collaborate with another company, the suggestion is Apple sees new-age automobiles as a lucrative avenue.
An Apple car would definitely give the company an opportunity to create another large revenue stream. While the iPhone was first introduced in the late 2000s, new smartphone sales have been stifling in past few years for Apple. Though other smart devices, such as speakers and watches, are among the newer products sold by Apple, they're rather supplementary pieces of tech to its computers and handhelds. With there being a bustling market for cars and plenty of room for innovation, Apple could very well have its next revolutionary product on its hands. Even though the world wasn't quite ready for the Macintosh TV or Newton PDA, the time may actually be right for Apple to unveil a smart automobile and, if the Reuters timing is correct, especially in 2024.
The biggest reason why an Apple car might not be a good idea is the company's reputation with tech products. Any Apple-branded car that's produced would need to do all it can to avoid safety concerns. Even if Apple can manage to create one of the highest-quality products it ever has, it would have to earn the trust of consumers in order for them to buy and use one. Tesla has an edge over Apple in this regard, as most customers see the company as a car company first and a tech company second. With that said, Apple's safest strategy would be to partner with a reputable automaker to create a new car that would prioritize safety and reliability. Even then, Apple has a lot to lose when it comes to its reputation.
No matter what approach Apple plans to take, auto and tech enthusiasts will look forward to the possibility of the company announcing a new electric car. Apple took the world by storm with the iPod and then the iPhone, and the company could very well do it again with another new product that fills consumer needs in Apple's unique way. However, assembling a new smart car would be a far greater challenge for a major tech company than simply redefining the music player, cellphone, or launching a new pair of expensive headphones.
Source: Reuters
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