Apple Suppliers Envisioning Long-Term Apple Car Supply Chain

According to a report, Apple suppliers are positioning to manufacture and assemble the company's long-rumored electric vehicle.

According to the report, the assembler of Apple devices such as AirPods and the manufacturer of most iPhone models are trying to make Apple's car. Last year, Foxconn introduced a software platform and a Chassis to help carmakers bring models to market faster. Chery is collaborating with Luxshare to build electric vehicles.

The suppliers are positioned to play a key role in Apple's future vehicle plans, according to industry sources. South Korea'sHyundai and Canada's Magna International are said to be best placed to partner with Apple initially and can provide better manufacturing expertise and infrastructure than other companies. The rumors of an Apple car are true, and both Hyundai and Magna have confirmed their discussions with Apple.

Instead, Foxconn could gradually build up its presence in Apple's vehicle supply chain by using its existing relationship with the company, its newly-developed EV platform, electronic component manufacturing capabilities, and experience from collaborations with automakers like Fisker.

It is expected that Apple will need to make cars in China. Apple cars for the United States market are likely to have batteries supplied by South Korea's SK On, while Apple cars for the China market are likely to be supplied by China's CATL and BYD. According to reports, Luxshare is close to aligning with Apple's EV manufacturing needs for the China market and is preparing for the vehicle's debut in the country.

It's too early to assume that Apple has finished designing its EV, according to the sources. Apple is expected to begin production on its car in 2024, but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes it will be in the late 20s to early 30s before the vehicle is ready for launch.