Apple Reportedly Cancels Electric Vehicle Project, 2000-Person Team to Focus on Generative AI R&D
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Recently, according to Bloomberg, Apple has decided to shelve and cancel its long-term autonomous electric vehicle project. The project, which has been in development for over a decade and cost millions of dollars, was ultimately deemed unfeasible by senior executives.
Apple's Chief Operating Officer Jeff Williams informed approximately 2,000 members of the car project team about this decision in an internal letter. Many R&D personnel will be reassigned to Apple's artificial intelligence division, led by AI head John Giannandrea, to focus on generative AI research and development.
This adjustment means that hardware engineers and car designers in Apple's car team will face significant career transitions. Some employees will have the opportunity to transfer to other departments within the company, while the remaining staff may face layoffs. As early as 2014, news about Apple's car project began to circulate. In 2021, Kevin Lynch, the CEO of Apple Watch, took over the project and attempted to scale it down and lower development goals to make it more achievable.
This decision reflects Apple's strategic adjustment in the electric vehicle sector and highlights the company's flexibility in responding to technological challenges and market changes. Although this shift may have been a significant shock to the employees involved, Apple remains committed to continuing innovation and development in other areas, such as artificial intelligence.