Apple, the tech giant known for its secrecy, reportedly had a hidden partnership with BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer, to develop long-range electric vehicle batteries. This clandestine collaboration, revealed by Bloomberg, sheds light on Apple’s ambition to enter the automotive sector, even as the company reportedly abandoned its ambitious ‘Titan’ car project.
The partnership, which started in 2017, focused on developing a battery system using lithium iron phosphate cells. While Apple doesn’t own any technology used in BYD’s current Blade batteries, this revelation reveals Apple’s serious efforts in the EV market.
Apple’s ‘Titan’ project, which reportedly consumed $1 billion annually over the past decade, aimed to create Apple’s own car. However, the company eventually decided to step back from the project, reportedly due to challenges in developing self-driving technology and navigating the complex automotive industry.
Now, BYD’s entire car lineup runs on the Blade system, a battery pack design that benefited from insights gained during its collaboration with Apple. This partnership allowed BYD to refine its battery technology, showcasing the value of Apple’s involvement.
Apple eventually decided to back away from the partnership and explore other battery manufacturers for its potential car. In February, news surfaced that Apple had abandoned the entire project, ending its venture into the car market.
While Apple has seemingly abandoned its ambitions to build a complete car, the company’s interest in the automotive space persists. In July 2024, Apple was reported to have patented a novel camera system for cars, indicating its ongoing exploration of automotive technologies.
The ‘Titan’ project, though officially abandoned, highlights Apple’s persistent interest in the future of mobility. The company’s collaboration with BYD, coupled with its continued patent activity in the automotive space, suggests that Apple remains a player to watch in the evolving landscape of the car industry.