3 Exciting Features (Likely) Coming to the Apple Car

While there’s still a fog of uncertainty surrounding Apple’s Project Titan car initiative, it’s looking increasingly likely that Apple is actually working on a full-fledged car. And by the looks of it, it may sport a slew of unique new features. Currently rumored to be released sometime in the 2020s, Apple is still working on the Apple Car and other vehicular-related endeavors in the background. As evidence of that, Apple this week filed three patent applications that could hint at future Apple Car features. Continue reading browse 3 Exciting Features (Likely) Coming to the Apple Car.

Ultra Wideband Entry

Apple’s new iPhone 11 devices pack an Ultra Wideband chip under their hoods. But, at this point, it doesn’t do much. Future plans could include wireless tracking tags or, as the patents reveal, keyless entry for the Apple Car.

The patent details a system that could use a combination of Bluetooth and UWB to transfer data between a device and a car’s security system. Interestingly, it suggests that the “device” in question could be an iPhone or Apple Watch, instead of a key fob.

Different devices could be assigned different privileges, such as the ability to turn on the ignition or simply open doors. Because of the accuracy of UWB, some of those functions could even be restricted to when a device is actually within a certain range.

Privacy Lighting

Apple has a strong commitment to privacy. And according to one recent patent filed this week, that commitment is apparently also extending to the lighting systems within the Apple Car.

Specifically, Apple patented a system that would use car windows that have a controllable layer that could allow certain levels of types of light through while blocking others. The system, or the end-user, could control this layer at will.

This has a few interesting aspects. One application is the ability to illuminate the interior of a vehicle while using the controllable windows to block the light from exiting the windows. That may essentially mean that the driver and passengers could see inside the car, but no one else could.

Unique Side Mirrors

Of all the things on a car that Apple could improve, the side mirror may be not the first thing you think of. But another recent vehicular patent details several ways that the Apple Car could innovate in that area.

Essentially, the patent describes several methods to improve or completely replace side mirrors — which could reduce vehicle width, among other factors. One way is to embed the mirror into the side of the vehicle, using optical elements to provide the driver with a view of the outside without needing an actual side mirror sticking out of the car.

Another way would be to adjust the position of the mirror by using a camera to detect when a driver is looking at it. When the driver isn’t, the mirrors would be out of view. The last implementation could see the side mirrors nixed completely in favor of cameras and monitors that would provide a live-feed to the user.