Reports have emerged that Apple has decided to cancel its plans to develop electric vehicles (EV) after a decade of speculation. The project, which involved around 2,000 employees, was never publicly acknowledged by the company. Many of these employees will now be transferred to Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) division. The project was initially focused on creating a fully autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals, but it was still years away from producing a vehicle. Industry experts believe that this decision is a smart move, as the demand for EVs is currently low compared to the growing market for AI technology.

Apple has been exploring opportunities beyond its flagship iPhone and computers, including the recent launch of its Vision Pro virtual reality headset. Research firm Counterpoint predicts that the market for AI in consumer electronics will continue to grow, with shipments of generative AI smartphones expected to exceed 100 million units by 2024 and potentially reach over 500 million units by 2027. On the other hand, the demand for EVs has slowed down in recent months due to high borrowing costs, making the market more competitive for major players.

Other companies in the automotive industry, such as Ford and General Motors, have also postponed their plans to expand EV production. Electric truck maker Rivian recently announced workforce cuts and no growth in production for this year. Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has been facing tough competition from Chinese rivals and has had to reduce prices in key markets. Musk responded to the news of Apple’s project cancellation with emojis on social media.

In conclusion, Apple has reportedly decided to halt its electric vehicle project and shift focus to its AI division. This decision reflects the current market demand for AI technology compared to the slower demand for EVs. Other players in the automotive industry have also faced challenges in expanding their EV production.

Original news source: Apple unplugs self-driving electric car project, reports say (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary

Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a few minutes to read the article. Then, ask them to write a summary of the article in their own words, highlighting the main points. Afterward, have each group share their summary with the class.

– Opinion Poll

Instructions: Ask the class to form two lines facing each other. Assign one side of the room as “agree” and the other side as “disagree.” Read out a statement related to the article, such as “Apple made the right decision in canceling its electric vehicle project.” Students should move to the side of the room that represents their opinion on the statement. Allow a few minutes for students to discuss their opinions with those around them.

– Vocabulary Pictionary

Instructions: Write down key vocabulary words from the article on separate index cards or pieces of paper. Divide the class into small groups. One student from each group picks a card and without using any words, tries to draw the word on the board. The rest of the group members try to guess the word. The team that guesses correctly gets a point. Continue until all the words have been drawn or until time runs out. The team with the most points wins.

– Pros and Cons

Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Instruct each group to make a list of the pros and cons of Apple’s decision to cancel its electric vehicle project and focus on AI technology. After a few minutes, have each group share their lists with the class. Encourage a class discussion on the various points raised by the different groups.

– Think-Pair-Share

Instructions: Ask the students to individually think about and write down their opinions on the following question based on the article: “Do you think Apple made the right choice in canceling its electric vehicle project?” Then, pair up the students and ask them to discuss their opinions with each other. Finally, have each pair share their opinions with the class, encouraging a respectful discussion and exchange of ideas.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. How many employees were involved in Apple’s electric vehicle project?
2. What division will many of these employees be transferred to?
3. What was the initial focus of Apple’s electric vehicle project?
4. Why do industry experts believe that Apple’s decision to cancel the project is a smart move?
5. Besides iPhones and computers, what other opportunities has Apple been exploring?
6. According to research firm Counterpoint, how many generative AI smartphones are expected to be shipped by 2024?
7. Why has the demand for EVs slowed down in recent months?
8. How has Tesla responded to the news of Apple’s project cancellation?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Reports have emerged that Apple has decided to cancel its (1)______ to develop electric (2)______s (EV) after a decade of speculation. The project, which involved around 2,000 (3)______, was never publicly acknowledged by the company. Many of these employees will now be transferred to Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) division. The project was initially focused on creating a fully (4)______ vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals, but it was still years away from producing a vehicle. Industry experts believe that this decision is a (5)______ move, as the demand for EVs is currently low compared to the (6)______ market for AI technology.

Apple has been (7)______ opportunities beyond its flagship iPhone and computers, including the recent launch of its Vision Pro virtual (8)______ headset. Research firm Counterpoint predicts that the market for AI in consumer electronics will continue to grow, with shipments of generative AI smartphones expected to exceed 100 million units by 2024 and potentially reach over 500 million units by 2027. On the other hand, the demand for EVs has slowed down in recent months due to high borrowing costs, making the market more (9)______ for major players.

Other companies in the (10)______ industry, such as Ford and General Motors, have also postponed their plans to (11)______ EV production. (12)______ truck maker Rivian recently announced workforce cuts and no growth in production for this year. Tesla, led by Elon Musk, has been facing tough competition from Chinese rivals and has had to reduce (13)______ in key (14)______s. Musk (15)______ to the news of Apple’s project cancellation with emojis on social media.

In conclusion, Apple has reportedly decided to halt its electric vehicle project and (16)______ focus to its AI division. This decision reflects the current market demand for AI technology compared to the slower demand for EVs. Other players in the automotive industry have also faced challenges in expanding their EV production.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What do you think about Apple’s decision to cancel its plans to develop electric vehicles?
2. How do you feel about the shift in focus from electric vehicles to artificial intelligence at Apple?
3. Do you think it was a smart move for Apple to prioritize AI technology over electric vehicles? Why or why not?
4. What is your opinion on the current demand for electric vehicles compared to the demand for AI technology?
5. How would you feel if you were one of the employees who were transferred from the electric vehicle project to the AI division?
6. Do you think the demand for electric vehicles will increase in the future? Why or why not?
7. What are some potential reasons for the slowdown in demand for electric vehicles in recent months?
8. How do you think the market for AI technology in consumer electronics will continue to grow in the coming years?
9. What are some advantages and disadvantages of focusing on AI technology instead of electric vehicles for Apple?
10. Do you think other companies in the automotive industry made the right decision by postponing their plans to expand EV production? Why or why not?
11. How do you think the competition between Apple and Tesla in the AI and electric vehicle industries will evolve?
12. What impact do you think Apple’s decision will have on the overall electric vehicle market?
13. How do you think the cancellation of Apple’s electric vehicle project will affect the company’s reputation?
14. Do you like the idea of autonomous vehicles without a steering wheel or pedals? Why or why not?
15. How do you think the market for electric vehicles will change in the future?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. autonomous
2. speculation
3. transferred
4. artificial
5. flagship
6. virtual
7. generative
8. competitive
9. postponed
10. workforce
11. rivals
12. emojis
13. halt
14. reflects
15. challenges

Meanings:
(A) Capable of operating independently without human intervention
(B) Shows or demonstrates something clearly
(C) Entities that compete against one another in the same industry or field
(D) The group of people who work for a particular organization or business
(E) The act of forming theories or conjectures without firm evidence
(F) Created, simulated, or carried out in a computer or online environment
(G) Involving competition between entities to achieve a goal or secure an advantage
(H) The most important or leading product or service offered by a company
(I) To bring to a stop or end an activity or process
(J) Small digital images or icons used to express ideas or emotions
(K) Moved from one place, position, or job to another
(L) Capable of producing or creating something without direct human input
(M) Difficult situations or problems that need to be dealt with
(N) Decided to delay an event or decision to a later time
(O) Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. How many employees were involved in Apple’s electric vehicle project?
(a) Around 1,000
(b) Around 500
(c) Around 2,000
(d) Around 10,000

2. What division will many of the employees be transferred to?
(a) Artificial intelligence (AI)
(b) Virtual reality (VR)
(c) Electric vehicles (EV)
(d) Computers

3. What was the initial focus of Apple’s electric vehicle project?
(a) Developing a vehicle with a steering wheel and pedals
(b) Designing a vehicle with advanced AI technology
(c) Producing a vehicle for the mass market
(d) Creating a fully autonomous vehicle

4. Why do industry experts believe Apple’s decision is a smart move?
(a) The demand for AI technology is currently low compared to EVs
(b) The demand for both EVs and AI technology is currently low
(c) The demand for both EVs and AI technology is currently high
(d) The demand for EVs is currently low compared to AI technology

5. What recent product did Apple launch beyond its flagship iPhone and computers?
(a) Electric vehicle prototype
(b) Vision Pro virtual reality headset
(c) AI-powered smartphone
(d) Generative AI software

6. According to research firm Counterpoint, how many generative AI smartphones are expected to be shipped by 2027?
(a) Over 100 million units
(b) Over 500 million units
(c) Less than 100 million units
(d) Less than 500 million units

7. What has been a challenge for the EV market in recent months?
(a) High borrowing costs
(b) Low production capacity
(c) Lack of consumer interest
(d) Lack of government incentives

8. How has Tesla responded to the news of Apple’s project cancellation?
(a) By reducing prices in key markets
(b) By announcing workforce cuts
(c) With emojis on social media
(d) By increasing production capacity

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. Apple has not been exploring opportunities beyond its flagship iPhone and computers, including the recent launch of its Vision Pro virtual reality headset.
2. The project aimed to create a semi-autonomous vehicle with a steering wheel and pedals.
3. The project involved around 2,000 employees who will now be transferred to Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) division.
4. Other companies in the automotive industry, such as Ford and General Motors, have also postponed their plans to expand EV production.
5. The market for AI in consumer electronics is not expected to grow, with shipments of generative AI smartphones predicted to be less than 100 million units by 2024.
6. Apple has canceled its plans to develop electric vehicles (EV) after a decade of speculation.
7. The demand for EVs is currently low compared to the growing market for AI technology.
8. The demand for EVs has recently increased due to low borrowing costs, making the market less competitive for major players.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. Why did Apple decide to cancel its plans to develop electric vehicles?
2. How many employees were involved in Apple’s electric vehicle project?
3. What will happen to the employees who were working on the electric vehicle project?
4. What other opportunities has Apple been exploring beyond its flagship iPhone and computers?
5. Why has the demand for electric vehicles slowed down in recent months?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. How many employees were involved in Apple’s electric vehicle project?
Around 2,000 employees were involved in Apple’s electric vehicle project.

2. What division will many of these employees be transferred to?
Many of these employees will be transferred to Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) division.

3. What was the initial focus of Apple’s electric vehicle project?
The initial focus of Apple’s electric vehicle project was to create a fully autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals.

4. Why do industry experts believe that Apple’s decision to cancel the project is a smart move?
Industry experts believe that Apple’s decision to cancel the project is a smart move because the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is currently low compared to the growing market for AI technology.

5. Besides iPhones and computers, what other opportunities has Apple been exploring?
Besides iPhones and computers, Apple has been exploring opportunities in areas such as virtual reality with the launch of its Vision Pro headset.

6. According to research firm Counterpoint, how many generative AI smartphones are expected to be shipped by 2024?
Research firm Counterpoint predicts that shipments of generative AI smartphones are expected to exceed 100 million units by 2024.

7. Why has the demand for EVs slowed down in recent months?
The demand for EVs has slowed down in recent months due to high borrowing costs, making the market more competitive for major players.

8. How has Tesla responded to the news of Apple’s project cancellation?
Tesla’s Elon Musk responded to the news of Apple’s project cancellation with emojis on social media.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) plans
(2) vehicle
(3) employees
(4) autonomous
(5) smart
(6) growing
(7) exploring
(8) reality
(9) competitive
(10) automotive
(11) expand
(12) Electric
(13) prices
(14) market
(15) responded
(16) shift
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. autonomous
Answer: (A) Capable of operating independently without human intervention

2. speculation
Answer: (E) The act of forming theories or conjectures without firm evidence

3. transferred
Answer: (K) Moved from one place, position, or job to another

4. artificial
Answer: (O) Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally

5. flagship
Answer: (H) The most important or leading product or service offered by a company

6. virtual
Answer: (F) Created, simulated, or carried out in a computer or online environment

7. generative
Answer: (L) Capable of producing or creating something without direct human input

8. competitive
Answer: (G) Involving competition between entities to achieve a goal or secure an advantage

9. postponed
Answer: (N) Decided to delay an event or decision to a later time

10. workforce
Answer: (D) The group of people who work for a particular organization or business

11. rivals
Answer: (C) Entities that compete against one another in the same industry or field

12. emojis
Answer: (J) Small digital images or icons used to express ideas or emotions

13. halt
Answer: (I) To bring to a stop or end an activity or process

14. reflects
Answer: (B) Shows or demonstrates something clearly

15. challenges
Answer: (M) Difficult situations or problems that need to be dealt with
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. How many employees were involved in Apple’s electric vehicle project?
Answer: (c) Around 2,000

2. What division will many of the employees be transferred to?
Answer: (a) Artificial intelligence (AI)

3. What was the initial focus of Apple’s electric vehicle project?
Answer: (d) Creating a fully autonomous vehicle

4. Why do industry experts believe Apple’s decision is a smart move?
Answer: (d) The demand for EVs is currently low compared to AI technology

5. What recent product did Apple launch beyond its flagship iPhone and computers?
Answer: (b) Vision Pro virtual reality headset

6. According to research firm Counterpoint, how many generative AI smartphones are expected to be shipped by 2027?
Answer: (b) Over 500 million units

7. What has been a challenge for the EV market in recent months?
Answer: (a) High borrowing costs

8. How has Tesla responded to the news of Apple’s project cancellation?
Answer: (c) With emojis on social media
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. Apple has not been exploring opportunities beyond its flagship iPhone and computers, including the recent launch of its Vision Pro virtual reality headset. (Answer: False)
2. The project aimed to create a semi-autonomous vehicle with a steering wheel and pedals. (Answer: False)
3. The project involved around 2,000 employees who will now be transferred to Apple’s artificial intelligence (AI) division. (Answer: True)
4. Other companies in the automotive industry, such as Ford and General Motors, have also postponed their plans to expand EV production. (Answer: True)
5. The market for AI in consumer electronics is not expected to grow, with shipments of generative AI smartphones predicted to be less than 100 million units by 2024. (Answer: False)
6. Apple has canceled its plans to develop electric vehicles (EV) after a decade of speculation. (Answer: True)
7. The demand for EVs is currently low compared to the growing market for AI technology. (Answer: True)
8. The demand for EVs has recently increased due to low borrowing costs, making the market less competitive for major players. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧