Apple has applied for/and or published 248 automobile-related patents

Let the Apple Car rumors roll on. Nikkei Asia and Intellectual Property Landscape found that as of June 1, Apple has applied for and/or published 248 automobile-related patents after 2000.

The article says the tech giant has filed patents in self-driving and other vehicle software as well as in hardware related to riding comfort, such as seats and suspension. Apple is also targeting vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology, which allows cars to communicate with each other and connect to the “Internet of Things,” moves seen as a major push by Apple to build its own platform and join a growing industry shift from just cars to overall mobility, according to Nikkei Asia.

When might we see an Apple Car?

As I’ve said before, I’m skeptical Apple will ever actually release its own vehicle. Instead, I think we’ll see Apple work with current car manufacturers to see an increasing implementation of its CarPlay technology. However, mine seems to be a minority opinion.

On. Nov. 18, 2021, Bloomberg reported that Apple is accelerating development on its “Apple Car.” The article says the electric vehicle will be self-driving and could roll out in 2025. 

What’s more, in a note to clients — as noted by AppleInsider — investment bank Wedbush says Apple is likely to announce a strategic electric vehicle partnership in 2022 to lay the groundwork for an “Apple Car” release in 2025.