Apple reportedly started talking to self-guided car sensor vendors to deal with, as part of its effort to build an electric vehicle, according to Bloomberg.
Common in many autonomous vehicles and prototypes, dealing sensors are used to determine the vehicle’s distance from objects, people and other vehicles. The technology is also used for other technologies, including some iPhone models.
Apple was talking to several vendors dealing with cutting-edge hardware, according to Bloomberg. The report also said that Apple internally developed much of the software needed for autonomous vehicles. But a vehicle launch could take place at least five years ago, Bloomberg said, citing internal Apple sources.
In the past few weeks and months, reports have also said that Apple was in talks with several car manufacturers about building Apple-branded vehicles.
In January, a South Korean newspaper reported advanced conversations with Hyundai, with plans to build a “beta” version of an Apple vehicle in about a year. But Hyundai and its sister brand Kia later denied these negotiations.
Nissan told Insider last week that it had not entered into discussions with Apple, despite reports that it did.
“However, Nissan is always open to exploring collaborations and partnerships to accelerate the transformation of the industry,” said the spokesman.