Apple Car Comeback: Why Apple Is Finally Returning to the EV Game (And Why Xiaomi Pushed It Over the Edge)

Introduction

Apple Car — the project everyone thought was dead — is suddenly alive again. And not quietly… Apple is rebooting the entire EV project because Xiaomi’s insane EV rise scared the hell out of Cupertino.

Over the past 18 months, Xiaomi turned into one of the fastest-growing EV players globally, and Apple finally realized:
If they don’t enter the car industry now, they’ll become just another accessory brand.

Let’s break down what’s happening — leaks, features, price predictions, U.S. & India angle, and why Apple thinks the EV market is its ultimate comeback moment.

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💬 Author’s Corner

“Apple phone was fine, but now is it really time for an Apple car? Imagine — cars already feel premium when they support Apple CarPlay. Now think about a car built by Apple itself. The features, the finish… it would go crazy.
Also, yeah… Apple phones sometimes slow down after a few years, but hopefully the car won’t do the same trick.”

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🚗 The Apple Car Project — Why It’s Restarting Now

Multiple insiders from Bloomberg, The Information, and Nikkei Asia confirm one thing:
Apple Car is officially back in motion.

The reason?
Xiaomi’s SU7 disrupted the global EV market.

🔥 Xiaomi SU7 Impact Summary

• 100,000+ preorders in 24 hours
• 320,000 orders in two months
• Over $4.5 billion revenue in the first half-year
• Performance rivaling Porsche Taycan
• Instant global hype
• Proof that a tech brand can build world-class cars

Also Read : Xiaomi SU7 Review

When Apple compared Xiaomi’s numbers to their own stagnation, the leadership hit panic mode.

Apple’s fear:
“If we don’t build a car now, we lose the next decade.”

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🚘 Apple Car — New Vision After the Reboot

Apple has changed the entire direction of the Apple Car Project.

❌ No Level-5 full autonomy

The old idea of a fully self-driving pod is dead.

✔ More realistic plan

A premium EV with smart autonomy, powered by Apple Silicon.

🔧 Expected Features (Based on Leaks)

• Modular electric motor architecture
• Dual-layer autopilot system
• Deep integration with iPhone + Vision Pro
• New-generation Apple infotainment
• AI-driven safety
• Cloud-based ecosystem sync
• Car-as-an-extension-of-your-iPhone concept

This is where Apple is unbeatable — ecosystem power.

Tesla, BYD, NIO, Xiaomi… none of them have the kind of ecosystem integration Apple can create.

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⏳ Apple Car Release Date (Expected)

Apple is restarting development in early 2026.

Realistic mass production timeline:

2028 – 2030 (Most analysts agree)

Apple is late by nearly a decade, but as history shows —
they arrive late, but they arrive loud.

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💸 Apple Car Price (Expected)

Globally, EV analysts expect:

Apple Car Price (Global): $85,000 – $120,000

Apple Car Price in India (Expected): ₹1.2 Cr – ₹1.8 Cr

Import taxes + premium positioning = expensive.

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📱 Apple Car App + CarPlay Ultra

Apple will reportedly bundle:

• A dedicated Apple Car app
• CarPlay Ultra support
• iPhone–Car continuity features
• VisionOS sync for in-car navigation

CarPlay Ultra Supported Cars (expected):
Early leaks mention BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Cadillac, Tesla (maybe), Volvo — but nothing confirmed.

Apple spent a decade trying to develop a car that could rival Tesla. In 4 years, Xiaomi made a car that rivals the Tesla Model Y, with probably less money spent than Apple did. What are the advantages that Chinese EV makers have that allow them to accomplish this?
by u/hk_bob in electricvehicles

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🔥 U.S. Market Angle

The U.S. remains Apple’s prime target.
Analysts say Apple will likely manufacture through partnerships with:

• Magna
• Hyundai / Kia
• Foxconn EV plants

U.S. EV demand is booming, so Apple wants a slice of the “premium EV luxury” segment Tesla currently owns.

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🇮🇳 Apple Car India Angle

Even though Apple has never prioritized India for launches, the EV push here is massive.
If Apple Car arrives globally, India will likely get CBU units 6–12 months later.

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📚 Apple Car Wiki-Style Summary

Apple Car (also known as Project Titan)

• Started: 2014
• Cancelled: Multiple times
• Revived: 2026
• Target: Premium EV with semi-autonomous driving
• Competitors: Tesla, Xiaomi, BYD, Lucid, Mercedes EQ

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Conclusion

Apple ignored the EV market for too long — and Xiaomi’s rise forced them to wake up.
The next decade belongs to whoever controls EV software, autonomy, and ecosystem integration.

And Apple wants its crown back.

Apple Car won’t be cheap.
Won’t come early.
But when it comes…
it might shake the entire EV industry.

FAQ Apple Car