Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has recently shared his thoughts on the potential impact of Apple’s rumored entry into the automotive market with its electric vehicle, often referred to as the “Apple iCar.” In a candid discussion, Musk expressed optimism about increased competition in the electric vehicle sector, suggesting that Apple’s involvement could ultimately benefit the industry as a whole.

When asked if he views Apple as a threat, Musk encouraged the tech giant to contribute to the growing electric vehicle landscape, acknowledging the challenges of creating such vehicles. He remarked that with over a thousand engineers reportedly working on the project, Apple’s intentions are clear and serious. Musk believes that while Tesla aims to produce the most compelling electric cars, the entry of companies like Apple could expand the market rather than diminish Tesla’s position.

Musk also addressed the competition from Google, indicating that while the tech company has showcased its capabilities in autonomous transport, it does not operate as a car manufacturer. He sees Google as a potential competitor through its partnerships rather than a direct rival. In contrast, he views Apple as a more direct competitor due to its significant hiring patterns in automotive engineering.

Regarding Apple’s timeline, Musk speculated that the company should have started its project earlier, suggesting that a launch in 2020 would be the earliest possibility. However, he emphasized that this timeframe might represent a missed opportunity to make a significant impact in the market. Despite this, Musk remains confident that Apple could produce a quality vehicle and achieve success in the electric car space.

As the automotive industry evolves, the prospect of established tech companies like Apple entering the arena adds a new dimension to the electric vehicle competition, one that Musk appears to welcome.