It looks like Apple is getting serious about their autonomous vehicle testing with their fleet and drivers increasing the most it’s been in a while. As of the latest data, Apple reports that their fleet consists of 67 vehicles and has increased the number of drivers to 201 – the highest it has been. Apple’s dedication to driver safety is what is driving these numbers.
Bloomberg reported that the first Apple car, which is expected to be released in 2026, will not feature full self-driving capabilities, but some advanced driver assistance features are still likely to be integrated. This gives people the opportunity to do activities such as watching a movie or playing a game while traveling.
Another compelling part of Apple’s progress is the collision data, which has been reported since January 13th, 2023. Over this period of time, there has been one minor accident that occurred on Febuary 21st. At the intersection of Homestead Road and Kennewick Drive in Sunnyvale, the vehicle’s right front tire and rim made contact with the curb. Fortunately, no one was injured and law enforcement was not called to the scene.
Overall, the autonomous driving industry is gaining momentum, and it’s good to see Apple increasing their safety and testing record with a strong emphasis on driver safety. With the first Apple car expected to be released in the next few years, all eyes are on the company to see what will be introduced. Hopefully, the advanced driver assistance features and focus on safety will make car travel much more efficient in the near future.
Do you think Apple’s autonomous vehicle testing will help to make cars safer? Let us know in the comments below!
