Apple's Secretive Automotive Collaboration Revealed: The Untold Story of Its Partnership with BYD

For years, Apple's foray into the automotive industry has been shrouded in mystery, with rumors swirling about potential collaborations and acquisitions. However, a recent report from Bloomberg has shed light on a lesser-known partnership between the tech giant and Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker BYD, revealing the untold story of Apple's efforts to develop a groundbreaking battery system for its once-planned car project.

Uncovering the Hidden Automotive Ambitions of the Tech Titan

Apple's Decade-Long Pursuit of Automotive Dominance

Apple's automotive ambitions have been a closely guarded secret for over a decade. The company was rumored to be working on a futuristic self-driving car, with speculations of collaborations with Volkswagen and even a potential deal to acquire McLaren. However, these plans never materialized, and the project was ultimately shelved in February 2023 after a decade of development.

The Surprising Partnership with Chinese EV Maker BYD

Contrary to popular belief, Apple was not working with its supplier Foxconn or any other well-known automakers on its automotive endeavors. Instead, the tech giant had been secretly collaborating with Chinese EV maker BYD since around 2017. The two companies co-developed a long-range battery system using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, which formed the basis for the Blade batteries used in BYD's current lineup of electric vehicles.

Leveraging Expertise and Innovation

The partnership between Apple and BYD was a strategic move, with each company bringing unique strengths to the table. Apple's engineers contributed expertise in advanced battery pack design and heat management, while BYD provided its manufacturing know-how and advancements in LFP cell technology. By combining their respective areas of expertise, the two companies aimed to create a safer and longer-range battery system that could power Apple's once-planned vehicle.

The Lasting Impact of the Apple-BYD Collaboration

Although Apple ultimately abandoned its car project, the technology developed through its partnership with BYD has had a lasting impact on the EV industry. BYD now uses the Blade battery technology across its entire lineup of electric vehicles, with the company claiming complete ownership of the patents and intellectual property rights. This collaboration has not only benefited BYD but has also pushed the boundaries of battery technology, potentially paving the way for more efficient and safer electric vehicles in the future.

Lessons Learned and the Future of Apple's Automotive Ambitions

The story of Apple's partnership with BYD serves as a testament to the tech giant's relentless pursuit of innovation and its willingness to explore uncharted territories. While the car project may have been shelved, the lessons learned and the technology developed through this collaboration could still have a significant impact on Apple's future automotive endeavors, should the company decide to revisit its ambitions in the EV space.