Apple has reportedly abandoned its long-standing efforts to develop a self-driving electric car, marking a significant shift in its automotive ambitions.

Although never officially acknowledged by the tech giant, the project, known internally as "Project Titan," has been under development for approximately a decade. Initial speculation suggested that Apple aimed to introduce an MPV-style shuttle as part of its foray into the automotive industry.

According to reports from Bloomberg, Apple has internally communicated its decision to scrap the project, impacting around 2,000 employees who were involved in its development. Instead, the company plans to reallocate resources toward its artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives.

While Apple has refrained from providing official statements regarding the cancellation, it is widely speculated that the decision was influenced by the projected low profit margins within the current automotive market landscape.

This news arrives amidst a broader trend of declining investor interest in electric vehicles (EVs). Major players in the EV sector, such as Tesla, Renault, and Volkswagen, have experienced setbacks, with Tesla shares witnessing a 30% decline in value this year. Renault's decision not to proceed with the public listing of its EV development arm, Ampere, and Volkswagen's delay in listing shares in its battery manufacturing division further underscore the challenges facing the EV market.

The revelation from Apple follows closely on the heels of Volvo's announcement regarding its decision to cease funding for Polestar, along with plans to reduce its stake in the company. These developments collectively reflect the evolving dynamics within the automotive and electric vehicle sectors, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties inherent in navigating the transition toward sustainable mobility solutions.