Apple is Developing Self-Driving Car with VR Technology, No Windows & No Driver Controls

Did you know Apple is developing its own self-driving automotive vehicle?

“After years of radio silence, reports began circulating that the company had switched gears and was now working on a self-driving vehicle that requires no input on behalf of the passengers. As such this autonomous car would lack any and all driver controls, including a steering wheel and foot pedals,” VRScout reports.

If that doesn’t sound dystopian enough, it gets worse.

Trust me.

Apple's self-driving car could feature VR technology and no windows: https://t.co/86T8nP1LOX pic.twitter.com/YCwrVrJRjc

— VRScout (@VRScout) May 17, 2022

Apple is going to make a car without windows so that when you use its VR technology you can imagine that you are in a car with windows. https://t.co/e52ClHIH8l

— Jon Juarez (@harriorrihar) May 20, 2022

From VRScout:

Since then Apple has filed several car-related patents teasing a number of potential features. That said, one patent is particularly interesting, especially considering the company’s renewed interest in self-driving vehicles.

The company previously filed a patent with the United States Patent & Trademark Office for an in-car VR entertainment system that utilizes the motion of the vehicle to further immerse passengers in their in-headset experiences. VR content is synchronized with the movement and acceleration of the autonomous vehicle as it travels to the desired location, offering a unique location-based experience that changes based on your commute.

In addition to entertainment, the patent details how the technology referenced could be used to reduce motion sickness. Instead of conventional windows, passengers would view the outside world by using their VR headset to access cameras mounted on the outside of the vehicle. The technology could also be used to watch videos and read books in a stabilized environment as well as to conduct virtual meetings while on the road.

According to past reports, Apple is expected to launch its long-awaited self-driving car sometime around 2025, though we’ve yet to receive any form of official confirmation from the company. Apple has filed a number of outrageous trademarks in the past that have yet to see the light of day. That said, if anyone can effectively sell a windowless self-driving vehicle with no steering wheel to the general public, it’s Apple.

Here’s the patent filing for the car that mimics a computer mouse on wheels.

A VR system for vehicles that may implement methods that address problems with vehicles in motion that may result in motion sickness for passengers. The VR system may provide virtual views that match visual cues with the physical motions that a passenger experiences. The VR system may provide immersive VR experiences by replacing the view of the real world with virtual environments. Active vehicle systems and/or vehicle control systems may be integrated with the VR system to provide physical effects with the virtual experiences. The virtual environments may be altered to accommodate a passenger upon determining that the passenger is prone to or is exhibiting signs of motion sickness.