According Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, Apple could join forces with BMW for its ongoing car project.
Munster suggests that before Apple launches its rumored car early next decade, currently codenamed Project Titan, it may first expand on its existing CarPlay offerings and venture further into the automotive realm alongside an established brand like BMW, reports Apple World.
The analyst says that Apple may actually release some form of autonomous driving software with BMW before launching its own car.
“We believe that Apple could release some of its learnings before 2021 as it continues to develop its own car,” he said. “For example, autonomous driving software could come out earlier via an automotive partner or more advanced CarPlay features. In terms of the market, as we’ve previously written, BMW might be the best comp for what Apple could do with the car in a wildly successful long-term scenario. BMW brand sold 1.9 million vehicles worldwide in 2015. At a $75k ASP, that would represent a $142.5 billion revenue opportunity.”
This isn’t the first time it has been thought that the tech giant could gradually increase its footprint into the industry rather than simply going from CarPlay to its very own vehicle.
If Apple is to collaborate with an existing marque, BMW would certainly be a good candidate. The German marque is leading the industry with its carbon fiber technologies and looking to further develop its plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains while extending its suite of autonomous driving systems.
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