Rivian and Apple are allegedly discussing a potential partnership.
According to DigiTimes Asia, supply chain sources have teased a potential partnership between Rivian and Apple. The partnership would help Rivian improve the upcoming R2 and R3 vehicles and give Apple a chance to release some of the technology it was developing for its electric vehicle (EV), Project Titan.
Apple’s EV development plans have long been rumored but were never fully shared with the public. In January 2024, Apple reportedly decided to develop an EV with fewer features. It planned to launch an electric vehicle in 2028 with “limited autonomous driving.” By February 2024, news broke that Apple allegedly stopped developing its own electric vehicle. Instead, the company is supposedly focusing on developing artificial intelligence (AI).
A partnership with Apple could be very beneficial to Rivian. Tesla’s last earnings call revealed the company’s push toward AI development and improving Full Self-Driving. Other companies, like Hyundai, have followed Tesla’s strategy and are investing heavily in AI and autonomous driving. Rivian could also improve its autonomous driving feature with Apple’s help. The EV startup may equip the R2 and R3 with Apple’s AI tech to improve their autonomous driving feature.
Rivian is making some good headway toward R2 production. Earlier this month, Rivian won a massive $827 million incentive package from the Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity in the State of Illinois. The company plans to use the incentive package to expand its R2 production facility at its plant in Normal, Illinois.
After ramping up R2 production at its Normal Plant, Rivian plans to continue constructing its EV plant in Georgia. Rivian intends to expand R2 and R3 production in Georgia as well.
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