Tech Giant Apple Acquires Autonomous Vehicle Startup Drive.ai, Signaling Continued Interest in Self-Driving Technology
Apple, the tech giant, has not acquired self-driving car startup Drive.ai, contrary to recent speculations. The company is instead focusing on boosting its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, as reported by various sources[1][2][3].
Despite the rumours, Apple's self-driving car project remains secretive and inactive publicly, with no major news regarding significant progress or new strategic moves related to self-driving car technology[1][3][4]. The company is, however, investing significantly in AI and related data infrastructure, prioritizing AI-driven features and privacy-first initiatives integrated across its devices[1][3][4].
The acquisition of Drive.ai by Apple, if it were to happen, would likely be an "acqui-hire," meaning that Apple was primarily interested in snapping up Drive.ai's talent[6]. However, as of mid-2025, there is no public confirmation of such a deal.
In 2019, Apple dismissed 200 employees from its Project Titan initiative[7]. The company has tested self-driving Lexus vehicles in California but hasn't publicly clarified whether it is focused on building its own Apple-branded car or software development[8].
Apple's focus on AI rather than self-driving cars is not surprising, given its recent acquisitions of seven smaller AI-focused companies in 2024[1]. The company continues to face competition and internal challenges in building AI teams, as some of its AI talent has been recruited by competitors[5].
The status of Drive.ai's partnerships, such as its shuttle service in Arlington, Texas, and its partnership with Lyft in 2017, is currently unclear[9]. Drive.ai had also engaged in a test in Frisco and had partnerships for converting normal cars into autonomous ones, but it's not clear how many of these turned into reality[9].
In February 2019, prior reporting in The Information suggested that Drive.ai had been looking for potential buyers[10]. In a controversial move, Drive.ai removed human safety drivers from some of its vehicles, a decision made just months after an Uber prototype vehicle struck and killed Elaine Herzberg in Tempe, Arizona[11].
In summary, Apple's autonomous vehicle project has not notably advanced through the acquisition of Drive.ai, and the company's current focus is on boosting its general AI capabilities to support its ecosystem and device integration[1][2][3][4][5].
References:
- Apple's AI ambitions: A timeline
- Apple's AI focus: What's the plan?
- Apple's AI strategy: A closer look
- Apple's AI investments: A deep dive
- Apple's AI talent war: The competition heats up
- Apple acquires Drive.ai, but for its talent, not its technology
- Apple's Project Titan: The ups and downs
- Apple's self-driving car project: What we know
- Drive.ai's partnerships: A look at the past
- Drive.ai seeks buyers as it faces financial troubles
- Drive.ai removes safety drivers from its vehicles
- Although there were speculations about Apple acquiring self-driving car startup Drive.ai, no such deal has been confirmed publicly, as of mid-2025.
- Instead, Apple is investing heavily in AI and related data infrastructure, prioritizing AI-driven features and privacy-first initiatives across its devices.
- The focus on AI rather than self-driving cars is not surprising, given Apple's recent acquisitions of several AI-focused companies in 2024.
- The technology industry, particularly in the automotive and transportation sectors, is closely watching Apple's approach to AI, with potential impacts on the future of the industry and finance.
