Are the smartphone giants investing in cars? Check it out!
The worlds of smartphones and automobiles are converging, and software integration, functionality and connectivity are expected to take further leaps in the coming years. The most sophisticated operating systems we use on smartphones and tablets have already made their way into mass-produced vehicles. And the rapid growth of electric vehicles is already a sign of the change that lies ahead.
This marks a historic transformation of cars, which are no longer just vehicles. They are dynamic and adaptable platforms that can be updated online, controlled mainly by software. They are also capable of adding new features and functions according to customer needs. This is a paradigm shift that will force many smartphone manufacturers, high-tech companies, online service providers, and chip and computer manufacturers to start producing cars. So, read on to take a look at which giants have already entered the sector.
Huawei
The pioneer in this path was Huawei, a Chinese multinational. The company manufactures smartphones, tablets, televisions and other electronic devices. The brand is expanding to install operating systems in new cars manufactured in China.
Among the various contracts and joint ventures signed by Huawei in the country are the installation of the ArmonyOS operating system, Huawei Autonomous Driving 2.0, and Huawei's HiCar connectivity system, similar to Apple CarPlay.
This agreement resulted in the Aito brand, established with Seres in 2021 and fully acquired by Huawei in 2023. In fact, it is the first brand to produce cars under the exclusive control of a smartphone manufacturer.
The three models currently in production are three electric and plug-in hybrid SUVs called the Aito M5, Aito M7 and Aito M9.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi is the world's third-largest smartphone maker and intends to use this springboard to expand into the world of automobiles. To achieve its goal, the Chinese giant launched its first electric vehicle project, now known as Modena.
The Xiaomi Modena is set to launch in November 2023. Several prototype electric sedans codenamed MS11 will be equipped with a 101 kWh triple battery and a range of around 800 km to challenge Chinese-made competitors such as Tesla models.
Apple
After a tumultuous period that included several strategy changes, hiring and firing of new talent, as well as a focus on autonomous driving and rumors of a possible acquisition of Lucid Motors, Apple now appears to be stuck with “Project Titan.”
The latest rumors suggest that the Apple Car will be launched in 2026, but it is not clear whether it will be a real car. It could probably be another revolutionary new autonomous driving system whose characteristics are still unknown. According to the latest rumors, Project Titan has “lost all visibility” and can only gain a future with the acquisition of an existing car brand. So, in the next three years we will have to make do with new versions of the Apple Car, in addition to the dozens of virtual Apple cars already visible in the digital world.
Samsung
One of the biggest companies in the cell phone industry is Korean Samsung. Unfortunately, the brand has practically given up on car production and only holds a minority stake in Renault Korea Motors, which until a few years ago was Samsung Motors.
But the empire, founded 85 years ago in Daegu, maintains a significant position in the automotive industry with Samsung SDI, a battery maker and one of the world's top 10 suppliers of batteries for electric vehicles. For example, the Fiat 500 electric car is equipped with Samsung SDI batteries.
