Skip advert
Advertisement

Apple car could arrive as early 2019 - is now a "committed project" for brand

First car won't be fully autonomous

Rumours of Apple's plans to produce a car have ramped up a notch with a report that claims the company could ship its first vehicle as soon as 2019.

Sources speaking to the Wall Street Journal have said that the Apple Car is now a "committed project" and that engineers and designers at Cupertino are "accelerating" its development.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Recent months have seen Apple hiring senior members of staff from throughout the automotive industry. Doug Betts, a senior vice president at Chrysler, has now joined Apple, as have many employees from the likes of Tesla, Ford and GM.

The ship date for the first Apple car has now been pinned at 2019, with rumours suggesting the first vehicle won't be a fully autonomous one despite the aims of the project.

Google is also entering into the autonomous car game, hiring executives from across the automotive industry to help build up its self-driving car project.

>Read our Mercedes-Benz S-Class review here

Mercedes and Audi currently are testing various self-driving cars, with the latest generation S-Class boasting lane-tracking cruise control and automated braking. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

​Best hot hatchbacks 2026 - affordable family-friendly fast cars
Best hot hatchbacks
Best cars

​Best hot hatchbacks 2026 - affordable family-friendly fast cars

The VW Golf GTI Edition 50 and Toyota Yaris Aero Performance breath life into what was an ailing hot hatch segment
16 Feb 2026
The all-new Audi RS5 is a practical estate car with McLaren power
Audi RS5
News

The all-new Audi RS5 is a practical estate car with McLaren power

The RS4 might have met its end, but now Audi Sport has launched its replacement with the all-new V6-powered RS5
19 Feb 2026
2026 VED car tax: what you'll be paying
2026 car tax
Advice

2026 VED car tax: what you'll be paying

The latest car tax changes explained, including new pricing for EVs and hybrids and increased prices for higher-emission vehicles
19 Feb 2026