LG, the South Korean electronics giant known for its battery expertise in electric vehicles, could emerge as a strategic partner for Apple as it pursues a secretive electric car project. A KB Securities analyst named Kim Dong Won told Bloomberg that if Apple intends to bring a new EV to market by 2026, the company should begin building its own EV assembly supply chain as early as 2023. This timeline underscores Apple’s desire to gain control over critical manufacturing elements while coordinating rapid development with a trusted supplier network.
Kim Dong Won notes that Apple has paused some of its more ambitious ambitions and shifted the expected launch date for the Apple Car by at least one year. He argues that a collaboration with LG would allow Apple to assemble a complete lineup of EV components rather than pursuing a piecemeal approach. In his view, such a partnership could streamline access to essential systems while maintaining the high standards Apple is famous for across its product ecosystem.
Industry sources indicate that LG has begun forming an internal team to work directly with Apple, particularly on supplying components for future electric vehicles. The two firms are already known to be collaborating on camera technologies for iPhone devices, a relationship that could help accelerate broader integration when it comes to sensors, imaging, and safety systems in an EV setting.
Updates suggest that Apple plans to price its inaugural car under 100,000 dollars by 2026, a strategy tied to a selective approach to autonomy. The emphasis appears to be on a robust, user-friendly driving experience rather than a fully autonomous system, which would align with a more practical, consumer-focused rollout. As Apple moves through the development cycle, the role of LG could extend beyond batteries to encompass core powertrain components, chassis integration, and supply chain reliability.
Observers point to the broader trend of tech companies entering the automotive space through partnerships that blend hardware, software, and services. For Apple, aligning with LG could help secure a scalable, well-supported production stream while leveraging LG’s established manufacturing capabilities. This collaboration would also enable Apple to maintain a steady cadence of updates and improvements, integrating advanced battery technology, charging infrastructure, and vehicle connectivity into its ecosystem.
In the current landscape, the timing and scope of Apple’s car program remain closely watched. If the collaboration with LG proves fruitful, it could set a benchmark for how tech giants approach large-scale vehicle programs, focusing on deep integration of components and a controlled supply chain to accelerate time to market while managing risk. Meanwhile, LG’s involvement could help ensure that critical EV technologies meet Apple’s rigorous quality and safety standards, creating a synergy that benefits both sides and potentially reshapes competition in the automotive sector.