According to DigiTimes, Apple is believed to be visiting Toyota in Asia as it prepares for the supplier groundwork to mass-produce a branded car by 2024.
According to reports, Apple representatives met with LG Electronics and South Korea's SK Group last month to discuss Apple Car development. Now Japan's Toyota is being considered as the next destination.
Apple has been involved in a car project since at most 2014 and it appeared at one point that the company would be refocusing on autonomous vehicle software. Apple seems to now be focused on making a car available for consumers, despite several management changes and hiring changes.
To do this, however, Apple will need to access a new supply chain. Apple will likely rely on a manufacturing partner for the production of the vehicles. Although Apple wants to manufacture EV batteries in the United States it may seek partnerships with established car makers such as Toyota.
Reuters previously reported that Apple is working on a new battery design. This could reduce the cost of batteries as well as increase the vehicle's range.
One source spoke with Reuters and described Apple's monocle battery technology as "next-level" and said it was similar to "the first time that you saw the iPhone."
Reuters reported that Apple plans to start production of a self-driving car under its brand in 2024. DigiTimes is not necessarily focusing on this date, but it is possible. Production could be delayed by the current global health crisis, or a shortage of chips.
