Apple car delayed until 2026, won’t be fully autonomous – report

Apple’s long-awaited car is still in the works, but it won’t launch until 2026.

Bloomberg reports the car, which has reportedly been in the works since at least 2018, will have a starting price below US$100k when it debuts, and won’t feature self-driving technology.

The fact it won’t be self-driving represents a significant departure from previous plans; previously it was reported Apple wanted a car without pedals or a steering wheel.

Bloomberg reports the company is “planning a less-ambitious design that will include a steering wheel and pedals and only support full autonomous capabilities on highways”.

Apple’s car project remains shrouded in mystery. It will reportedly use batteries sourced from Japan, not China, and won’t be built by Hyundai.

Hyundai reportedly had concerns about being a mere contract manufacturer for Apple rather than a strategic partner.

More recently, it was reported Apple has hired an ex-Lamborghini engineer to work on the project.

Luigi Taraborrelli has moved from Italy to the San Francisco Bay Area, with Automotive News reporting word from sources he’s joined Apple’s secretive vehicle program.

While seemingly much of the tech giant’s focus has been on electric powertrains and autonomous driving technology, this hire suggests a greater emphasis on driving dynamics and suggests Apple’s first car could be getting closer to launch.

Mr Taraborrelli is a 20-year veteran of Lamborghini, and has been head of vehicle dynamics for 14 years.