For a while now the word has been that Apple dropped the idea of building its own self-driving car in order to develop software that it could license to other companies. Of course, that’s a hard pill to swallow considering the stance it takes will all of its software and it’s hardware exclusivity. Now, word has it that Apple has joined forces with Volkswagen which includes a deal to turn some of VW’s T6 Transport vans into self-driving pods to haul around Apple employees.

What are Volkswagen and Apple Doing in Bed Together?

According to the New York Times, Apple has an itch to get into bed with the Germans. It’s propositioned both BMW and Mercedes to strike a deal in developing a self-driving electric car. According to NYT’s sources, these propositions have occurred over the past couple of years, but neither would agree to hand over control of data and design. Big surprise there, huh? Giant company Apple wants to control both data and design – some kind of partnership that’s set to be.

Well, once the big boys told Volkswagen to take a hike, the brand dropped its expectations and designed to head over to the bargain bin, or as you know it, Volkswagen. There’s no word as to what the specifics of the Apple-Volkswagen deal are, but it’s said to be taking up a lot of resources on Apple’s end.

For now, that’s about all we know, but it’s undoubtedly clear that Apple is very interested in working with a German automaker. According to 9-to-5mac Apple has up to 50 cars roaming California roads and has been all up in the DMV as well. I wouldn’t hold my breath expecting an Apple iCar to sit in your driveway, accenting your MacBook, iPod, and iPhone, but it’s pretty clear that Apple isn’t stepping away from the self-driving car game quite yet.

What all of this will eventually manifest will be a mystery for some time to come, but it will be interesting to see what comes out of this deal. Maybe an Apple iCar will happen. If it does, it’ll be years down the road, but it’s still fun to think about.

Further Reading

Read our full speculative on the 2021 Apple iCar.

Read more Apple news.