Report: The Apple Car May Have a Touchscreen Windshield

When you think of companies that are on the cutting-edge of automotive technology, Apple probably isn’t the first to come to mind. However, rumor has it that Apple is developing a new touchscreen windshield for its highly secretive car.

Both Google and Apple have expressed interest in next-gen automobiles, with Google having worked on its autonomous, self-driving car for several years now. The latest news regarding these two tech companies, however, is that Apple is working on a massive touchscreen to replace the windshield for its vehicle.

Global Equities Research managing directory Trip Chowdhry made this revelation to TechNewsWorld, saying that Apple’s bold plan is to create a heads-up touchscreen display that could possibly measure up to 50 inches in diameter. This new touchscreen display would be similar to those found in fighter jets, said Chowdhry. So, what purpose (if any) would a touchscreen display offer when used in a car?

One possible benefit associated with a touchscreen-based windshield is the ability to check speed, fuel levels, oil, engine lights and other systems without having to look away from the road. When gauges such as these are placed in the dashboard, drivers must divert their attention away from the road to view them. Even if it’s for just a split second, that’s still more than enough time to cause or contribute to an accident. By integrating these systems into a touchscreen windshield, drivers can keep their eyes on the road; thus, reducing the risk of a collision.

But building a touchscreen-based windshield is no easy task, even for a company like Apple. Its largest iMac touchscreen measures 27 inches, meaning it still has a ways to go before reaching 50 inches. Furthermore, not everyone is optimistic about the project. Roger Lanctot, an analyst working for Strategy Analytics, claims the technology is already available, and that Applei s doing “nothing new.”

“Apple has hired enough talent to put some sort of concept together, but as for whether it’s aftermarket or OEM-targeted, nothing is clear,” said Roger Lanctot. “There is nothing new here — no cold fusion, no perpetual motion — just something that looks like 2D heads-up tech already available or in development elsewhere. This is some sort of Apple obfuscation exercise. The only thing that’s unclear is whether it’s a deliberate leak from Apple.”

Would you be interested in a touchscreen windshield?