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Apple has been quietly innovating in the field of autonomous driving technology for self-driving vehicles. Typically known for keeping its projects under wraps, the company recently broke from that mold with reports emerging about its ongoing work, particularly after a past incident where it misplaced an iPhone 4 prototype. It’s rare to see updates on such a significant initiative, but new developments regarding Apple’s self-driving car hardware have surfaced.
Under Project Titan, Apple is crafting the technology needed for self-driving cars, testing a fleet of Lexus RX 450h SUVs throughout Silicon Valley. A recent sighting of one of these SUVs shows it has undergone some noticeable changes, now sporting a series of new sensors that resemble a fresh haircut and a sleeker appearance.
The spy shot was shared by MacCallister Higgins, co-founder of the autonomous taxi startup Voyage. He noted that the Lexus is equipped with six sensor groups: one at each corner, one that faces forward, and one that looks backward. Each Velodyne LiDAR unit possesses a view angle of approximately 280 degrees. Higgins speculated on whether the limited view angle was due to physical barriers meant to prevent interference among the sensors. His insights from an industry perspective provide a fascinating look into the prototype’s design.
This latest model features a significantly increased number of sensors compared to earlier prototypes, boasting ten additional LiDAR sensors compared to what was reported by Bloomberg on its previous iteration. While we have reached out for comments, neither Apple nor Lexus has responded.
Interestingly, this setup has been observed previously. A few weeks earlier, another user shared a photo showing a similar vehicle arriving at an Apple shuttle stop, suggesting that Apple may be prioritizing its Palo Alto to Infinite Loop (PAIL) project over the ongoing endeavors of Project Titan.
The decision on whether Apple will fully commit to producing a vehicle remains uncertain. There have been persistent rumors about the company potentially stepping back due to challenges, particularly since it reportedly lags behind Waymo, a sister company of Google, by nearly three years. For now, enthusiasts will need to stay tuned for any official announcements about this program; the ongoing sightings of the white Lexus with its unique setup keep the hope alive.
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