A new report from CBS affiliate KPIX reveals multiple sightings of a mysterious van registered to Apple roaming the streets of Concord, Ca., in the San Francisco Bay Area. The van in question has what appears to be a camera apparatus on top similar to those used by Google for both their mapping and self-driving car initiatives, leading to speculation that Apple may be pursuing similar projects.
The most likely explanation would seem that Apple is working to improve data for its Maps service, possibly increasing resolution for its 3D Flyover service or building its own “street view” solution, although some analysts have speculated that the camera apparatus is not suitable for mapping purposes and suggests that Apple may in fact be building a self-driving car to compete with companies such as Google and Uber. Notably, however, Apple does not have a permit to test self-driving cars.
Apple declined comment.
.
