Apple scraps its car and display screen projects

Apple hit the brakes on two ambitious projects in February 2024, with the company deciding to scrap its electric and autonomous car project and its efforts to develop next-generation display screens for smartwatches. These cancellations weren't sudden decisions, however. The report further added that Apple executives struggled to solidify a clear direction for the car project while grappling with its immense cost.

The display screen initiative was grappling with its own set of challenges, including engineering hurdles, difficulties securing reliable suppliers, and keeping production costs under control, as per the report.

Because of these project closures, over 600 employees in California lost their jobs. The majority of these layoffs happened at Apple's main car project office in Santa Clara. However, smaller satellite offices also saw job cuts.

While some impacted employees were fortunate enough to be relocated to other teams within Apple, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence and personal robotics, the overall impact was significant, according to the report.

Notably, at least 87 of the terminated employees were stationed at a secretive Apple facility dedicated to developing next-generation display technologies. The remaining impacted workers were employed at various locations associated with the company's now-scrapped automotive project.