German carmaker Porsche has discussed undertaking joint projects with Apple, the company's CEO mentioned today in its annual press conference (via Reuters).
Porsche CEO Oliver Blume said that the company has discussed "exciting common projects" with Apple, but it it is currently too soon to make any firm decisions on future projects. It is unclear exactly what the seemingly off-hand remark refers to, but it could relate to Apple's long-rumored electric vehicle project.
Blume said that Porsche and Apple traditionally cooperate closely and are "on the same wavelength," and managers from Porsche travelled to the United States late last year to discuss joint projects with Apple.
"We already have Apple CarPlay, we will expand on that," Blume added. Porsche has worked closely with Apple in recent years to offer a growing number of feature-rich non-CarPlay experiences that integrate with vehicles' infotainment systems, including a native Apple Music app with time-synced lyrics and a native Apple Podcasts app that works with Porsche's in-car voice assistant.
Top Rated Comments
Apple are in a great situation to contribute to this marketplace, perhaps via a 'C1' processor of their own design and a strict list of required hardware from car manufacturers.
Apple are experts in making computers but not cars; Porsche are experts in making cars but not computers. Seems like a good deal to me.
*"Sorry, I can't come into work today. I am waiting for a car technician to come fix my Blue Dashboard of Death."