Apple Receives Permit to Test Autonomous Cars in California

Perhaps Apple will join the automotive industry after all? In the clearest sign yet that Apple is preparing self-driving car systems, the tech giant has been granted a permit to test autonomous vehicles in California.

Apple is now listed on the California DMV’s website as having a permit to test autonomous cars in the state. It joins 29 other companies that have already been issued such approval.

At this point, it’s unclear if Apple is looking to create a self-driving car, or just technology for self-driving cars. For quite a while, rumors swirled that Apple was creating a self-driving car under Project Titan, but last year, it was reported that the company gave up on this plan in favor of developing a software-based autonomous drive system.

Regardless, Apple is definitely up to something. Steve Kenner, Apple’s director of product integrity, wrote a letter in November urging government regulators not to put too many restrictions on autonomous cars.

“The company is investing heavily in the study of machine learning and automation, and is excited about the potential of automated systems in many areas, including transportation,” Kenner wrote at the time.

Another possible sign that Apple is cooking up autonomous wares is its relationship with auto supplier Robert Bosch GmbH. Bosch creates many automotive-related products such as components for vehicle sensors, although it also makes electronics not related to vehicles.

Source: Automotive News 1, 2, 3 (Subscription required)

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