Rumor: Apple may be working with Toyota to start production of the Apple Car in 2024

It has been ten years since first rumors emerged that Apple was planning to enter the ranks of automakers. Even though there have only been further rumors and no official announcements since then, the Cupertino-based tech giant appears to be making progress in those plans.

According a recent report by DigiTimes, Apple has entered talks with several Asian auto parts suppliers and even manufacturers to discuss possible collaborations in regard to the mass production of the Apple Car. Considering the prolonged shortage of microchips and semiconductors, Apple apparently has to plan years ahead to secure the necessary components for its electric vehicle.

In order to do so, rumors say that Apple has already met with several Chinese suppliers who could possibly produce batteries for the Apple Car, but their unwillingness to meet Apple's demand of manufacturing said batteries on American soil has left the company with fewer options. As a consequence, Apple has shifted its search for suppliers to South Korea and Japan, where purportedly the company has already talked with Panasonic, LG, Samsung and others.

However, there are still rumors that Apple may collaborate with a traditional automaker like Toyota or Hyundai, who could provide the maker of the iPhone 12 (from US$699 on Amazon) with the necessary experience in mass producing cars, SUVs and in Toyota's case even trucks. Even though such a collaboration would certainly makes sense, it's just guesswork that is revolving around Apple's much anticipated iCar.