Apple Secures DMV Approval to Test Self-Driving Cars in California
Apple has officially joined the ranks of companies authorized to test autonomous vehicles on California’s public roads, as confirmed by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This milestone marks a significant step in Apple’s long-rumored foray into the self-driving car industry.
A Growing List of Autonomous Vehicle Testers
The DMV’s Autonomous Vehicle Tester Program now includes 30 major tech and automotive companies, with Apple joining industry leaders like:
- Tesla
- Google (Waymo)
- Uber
- Ford
- Volkswagen
- Mercedes-Benz
While Apple has never publicly confirmed plans to manufacture a self-driving car, its inclusion in this program validates years of speculation about its autonomous vehicle ambitions.
What the Permit Allows - and Requires
The newly granted permit comes with important stipulations:
- Testing on public roads: Apple can now operate its autonomous vehicles in real-world California conditions
- Accident reporting: Any incidents must be reported within 10 business days
- Annual disengagement reports: Apple must document:
- Technology failures
- Frequency of human driver takeovers (“disengagements”)
- Other performance metrics
Transparency for a Traditionally Secretive Company
These requirements represent a notable shift for Apple, known for its tight-lipped approach to product development. As the company begins public road testing:
- Successes and failures will become part of public record
- Performance data will be available for comparison with other manufacturers
- The tech community gains valuable insights into Apple’s autonomous technology progress
This development follows years of rumors about Apple’s “Project Titan” autonomous vehicle initiative, first reported by The Guardian in 2016. While Apple’s exact plans remain unclear, this permit confirms the company is moving forward with real-world testing of its self-driving technology.
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