According to a DigiTimes report, Apple suppliers are positioning themselves to build and assemble the company’s long-rumored electric vehicle (EV).
Foxconn, the huge maker behind most iPhone models, and Luxshare Precision, the assembler behind Apple devices such as AirPods, are reportedly considering working together to support Apple’s car products, the report said.
Foxconn, which has already entered electric vehicle manufacturing, released a chassis and software platform last year to help automakers bring models to market faster. Meanwhile, Luxshare is working with Chinese automaker Chery to build electric vehicles.
While Apple is unlikely to immediately partner with Foxconn and Luxshare, these suppliers will play a key role in Apple’s future car plans, according to industry sources.
South Korea’s Hyundai and Canada’s Magna International are said to be best suited to work with Apple in the early stages and can offer better manufacturing expertise and infrastructure than Foxconn or Luxshare. Both Hyundai and Magna have been at the center of specious Apple Car rumors, and Hyundai has even publicly confirmed its discussions with Apple.
Instead, Foxconn could use its existing relationship with Apple, its newly developed electric vehicle platform, electronic component manufacturing capabilities, and experience working with automakers such as Stellantis and Fisker to gradually establish itself in Apple’s automotive supply chain status.
Almost all of the cars Apple needs to make for the Chinese market are expected to be made in China. For example, an Apple car for the U.S. market might have batteries from South Korea’s LG, SK On, or Samsung, while an Apple car for the Chinese market might come from China’s CATL and BYD.
Luxshare is said to be closely aligned with Apple’s electric vehicle manufacturing needs in the Chinese market and is said to be preparing for the car’s debut in China.
The source also said that it is too early to believe that Apple has completed the design of the electric car and conducted road tests. Reuters previously believed that Apple was aiming to start producing its cars in 2024, but Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo believes the car won’t be ready for sale until 2025 to 2027 at the earliest.