In a strategic move, Apple has pulled the plug on its much-anticipated electric car project, redirecting resources towards the development of advanced generative AI technologies.
The decision, unveiled internally by Apple COO Jeff Williams and project lead Kevin Lynch, signals a significant pivot in the company’s future endeavors.
The shift will see around 2,000 employees, previously dedicated to the electric car initiative, refocusing their efforts on pioneering generative AI under the guidance of John Giannandrea.
Giannandrea, known for his commitment to advancing AI applications, has been spearheading projects like AI chatbots, reminiscent of our very own ChatGPT.
However, not all Apple employees will seamlessly transition, as reports suggest impending layoffs within the affected departments.
While the exact number remains unclear, those impacted include hardware and automotive engineers, once part of Apple’s ambitious Special Projects Group (SPG).
Their fate within the company hangs in the balance, with potential opportunities to explore roles in other divisions.
Apple’s foray into electric vehicles began in 2014, with substantial investments aimed at rivaling industry frontrunners like Tesla.
Yet, amidst this transition, Apple’s recent unveiling of the Apple Vision Pro, a mixed-reality headset, heralds a new era of innovation for the tech giant, captivating attention with its futuristic allure.
Despite being late to the generative AI arena, Apple is poised to make waves with rumored developments, including an in-house AI chatbot dubbed Apple GPT.
While details remain scarce, anticipation mounts for potential genAI features expected to debut at this year’s WWDC in June.
As Apple charts this new course, the spotlight shifts from electric dreams to the boundless possibilities of smarter AI, hinting at a future where innovation knows no bounds.