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)
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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.
π€ Comprehension Questions:
Around 2,000 employees were involved in Apple's electric vehicle project.
Many of these employees will be transferred to Apple's artificial intelligence (AI) division.
The initial focus of Apple's electric vehicle project was to create a fully autonomous vehicle without a steering wheel or pedals.
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.
Besides iPhones and computers, Apple has been exploring opportunities in areas such as virtual reality with the launch of its Vision Pro headset.
Research firm Counterpoint predicts that shipments of generative AI smartphones are expected to exceed 100 million units by 2024.
The demand for EVs has slowed down in recent months due to high borrowing costs, making the market more competitive for major players.
Tesla's Elon Musk responded to the news of Apple's project cancellation with emojis on social media.
π§βοΈ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:
Reports have emerged that Apple has decided to cancel its to develop electric s (EV) after a decade of speculation. The project, which involved around 2,000 , 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 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 move, as the demand for EVs is currently low compared to the market for AI technology. Apple has been opportunities beyond its flagship iPhone and computers, including the recent launch of its Vision Pro virtual 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 for major players. Other companies in the industry, such as Ford and General Motors, have also postponed their plans to EV production. 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 in key s. Musk 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 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.
π¬ Discussion Questions:
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
ππ Vocabulary Meanings:
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π‘ Multiple Choice Questions:
π΅οΈ True or False Questions:
π Write a Summary:
Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.
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