Apple ups the number of drivers for its autonomous vehicles from 196 to 201

The gang at MacReports say they have the latest California DMV Autonomous Vehicles Program details, including the latest numbers for Apple’s self-driving program (the rumored “Apple Car”)

According to the California DMV, Apple has increased the number of drivers for its autonomous vehicles from 196 to 201 since macReport’s last report in January 2023. Apple has kept its fleet size steady at 67. Apple decreased its fleet size earlier this year for the first time since July 2021.

When might we see an Apple Car?

Apple has scaled back its “ambitious” plans for a self-driving electric car and postponed the launch date back a year to 2026, reports Bloomberg.

The article says that Apple plans to sell a consumer “Apple Car” for “under” $100,000. Other points from the article:

° Apple wanted its vehicle to come without a steering wheel or pedals, but has decided that such a plan isn’t feasible at this time.

° The Apple Car will have guided driving features that work on highways, but won’t be fully autonomous.

° Apple currently plans to develop a vehicle that lets drivers conduct other tasks — say, watch a movie or play a game — on a freeway and be alerted with ample time to switch over to manual control if they reach city streets or encounter inclement weather. 

° It will sport an Apple-designed custom processor to power AI (artificial intelligence) functionality.

° It will use the cloud for some AI processing.

° Apple might offer a remote command center that could assist drivers and control cars from afar during emergencies.

° Apple may also offer its own insurance program.

° Apple still hasn’t dialed in on a design for its first vehicle and the team is still working in a “pre-prototype” stage.