Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) has patented a novel camera system for vehicles, using cameras in place of rearview mirrors to capture footage of the external surroundings. This follows the company's announcement earlier this year that it was discontinuing its decade-long Apple Car project, codenamed Titan.
What Happened: According to Apple's filing with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO,) the Tim Cook-led company intends to project the camera feed on the car's windshield.
The patent outlines a camera system that is integrated into a vehicle's mirrors. This system is designed to project live feeds onto the vehicle's windshield, which could potentially enhance driver safety by minimizing the need to look away from the road.
The patent application describes a system where cameras mounted on the sides of the vehicle capture views typically seen in side mirrors. These views are then displayed on the windshield when the corresponding turn signal is activated.
Additional cameras, such as a rearview camera or a 360-degree camera, may also be incorporated into the system. The live feeds from these cameras could be displayed on the windshield based on various factors, such as turn signal information, speedometer information, or sensor data.
Why It Matters: Earlier this year, Apple decided to abandon its electric vehicle project, Project Titan, to focus on generative AI. This decision led to speculation about Apple's future in the automotive industry.
However, the recent patent application indicates that Apple is still exploring opportunities in vehicle technology.
Following the cancellation of Project Titan, Gene Munster of Deepwater Asset Management suggested that Apple should consider acquiring Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ: RIVN) to fill the gap left by the project. This patent could be a sign that Apple is still interested in the automotive sector, but perhaps in a different capacity than initially expected.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Apple Car project, analysts have been skeptical about its realization. This new patent application may reignite discussions about Apple's potential role in the automotive industry.