Several dozen prototypes of Apple’s branded autonomous vehicles are being evaluated, according to a report cited by MacReports that draws on a document from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. The information suggests a sizable testing program with a mix of vehicles and developers working under a controlled regulatory framework.
In early 2024, the DMV document appears to show a substantial testing effort involving 162 drivers who were assigned to prototype vehicles. The fleet size referenced in the same material indicates Apple operates a total of 68 vehicles during this phase of testing. The figures point to a broad, hands-on approach to validating sensors, software, and vehicle behavior under real-world conditions across different scenarios.
The report also contains some test outcomes and safety data related to the autonomous fleet. Among the disclosures are records of incidents involving drones used in testing or accompanying the vehicles, as well as data about collisions and near-misses. One noted incident occurred on October 23, 2023, involving a Lexus equipped with Apple’s control system. At the time of the incident, the Lexus was driven manually, and the collision happened as another vehicle overtook and struck the side mirror. There were no injuries reported in connection with this event, and the broader testing program continued under regulatory oversight.
Public expectations for Apple’s entry into automated mobility have shifted over time. While earlier projections had suggested a launch window around 2026, new commentary from industry analysts and insiders in late 2023 and 2024 has introduced more cautious language about timing and deliverables. One notable figure in the space, cited by various outlets, indicated that the product development timeline had faced delays that would affect public availability. This kind of framing reflects the high level of technical and regulatory scrutiny surrounding autonomous driving technology, especially when a consumer brand expands into a new product category with safety implications for road users.
Beyond the core testing narrative, the public record touches on other demonstrations and showcases of interest. For example, during CES 2024 there were demonstrations of an electric vehicle concept that relied on artificial intelligence controls and was paired with a PlayStation 5 gamepad for user interaction. These demonstrations illustrate the industry’s broader experimentation with control interfaces and AI-driven assistance, even as the commercial viability and regulatory pathways for mass production continue to evolve.
Overall, the available documentation paints a picture of a rigorous, phased approach to validating Apple’s autonomous vehicle technology. The DMV records, combined with industry reporting, indicate a multi-vehicle fleet, a sizeable number of trained operators, and a careful accumulation of real-world data aimed at informing safety, compliance, and system improvements. While the path to a consumer-ready model remains uncertain, the ongoing testing program appears to be laying the groundwork for eventual deployment considerations that regulators, manufacturers, and the public will closely monitor. In this context, stakeholders are attentive to how incidents are analyzed, how software updates address safety concerns, and how testing outcomes translate into practical road readiness and consumer trust.
This evolving story underscores the tension between innovation speed and safety assurances that define today’s autonomous vehicle landscape. As Apple continues to work through regulatory reviews, data collection, and reliability benchmarks, observers anticipate that future disclosures will clarify timelines, technical milestones, and the precise scope of real-world testing that informs any potential market launch.