Life is arguably better when you're a part of the Apple ecosystem: the iPhone ties into the MacBook, iPad, AirPods, Apple Watch, HomePod... and the Apple Car? Well that's the plan, going by everything we know about the upcoming Apple electric car. Which is not a lot really. But thanks to this render exclusive to HotCars by 3D artist Timothy Adry Emmanuel, we could be looking at the very future of personal mobility courtesy Apple.

Updated April 2023: We've updated this article with more details on the Apple Car, potential variants, upgrades and more.

The Apple Car is perhaps the tech giant’s worst, and best, kept secret all together. Rumors of Apple working on a car (most recently with Hyundai/Kia, who are on EV streaks of their own) have been floating around since 2015, along with countless renders of what the Apple iCar would look like. Finally, it seems like Apple’s car, codenamed Project Titan, is set for a 2026 launch. Though with updates from Sony and Honda coming thick and fast already, we say the sooner, the better.

Related: Here's What We Know About Sony And Honda's Car Brand, Afeela

Is Apple Making A Car?

At one point, it was rumored that Apple and BMW would work together to make the Apple iCar. It was then thought that Apple could base its car on the electric BMW i3. Those talks haven’t materialized. But more recently, Hyundai confirmed that they were in talks with Apple to produce the iCar. It’s even rumored that Apple and Kia would work together on Project Titan. Which is why this HotCars render of the Apple Car takes the best parts of excellent electric cars like the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 6. You may even see a bit of the Lucid Air in there.

Real Apple Car render interior cabin shot
HotCars | Timothy Adry Emmanuel

Having the wheels pushed to the corners of the car is the best way to maximize cabin space. That, and the shooting brake style panoramic glass roof that is. The coolest part of this concept is how the roof floats over the rear, acting as a spoiler to smooth the air coming over it.

The front and rear of this Apple Car concept are mirrored. The unique glasshouse then becomes the contrast point in differentiating the rear from the front. Think of it as the notch in this Apple design. Now, the pop-out and slide over doors and pop-up roof may not be entirely production ready, but it is a concept favorite. Walking into your car, and then sinking into swivel-out seats really is the most natural way to do it.

Related: Check Out These Gorgeous Forgotten Concept Cars Of The '70s

The Apple Car Will Give CarPlay A New Meaning

Real Apple Car Gold render rear
HotCars | Timothy Adry Emmanuel

This brings us to the features of the Apple Car. Initially, it was believed that Apple would aim for full autonomous driving right off the bat. But as Tesla has found with Autopilot, self-driving cars are exactly as complex as they seem. It’s probably safe to assume the Apple Car will instead aim for semi-autonomous driving.

Which is why this Apple Car concept still has a steering wheel, albeit a half-wheel. Large wrap-around screens on the dash will probably show up the instrumentation, and infotainment. We expect the Apple Car’s screens to be as easy to navigate as an iPad.

Speaking of, expect full Apple device integration. With next-gen Apple CarPlay ready to take over the entire digital space in the car, we expect nothing less from Apple's own car. From the infotainment, vehicle dynamics, digital dash and in-car controls, everything would run on the CarPlay platform. Think the ability to control Apple Music and Podcasts from your car as if it were your phone, and Maps integrations for all users. While Siri takes charge as the virtual assistant, of course. When you're waiting to charge up, Ted Lasso can keep you busy and entertained on Apple TV+ .

Of course, Apple Car specifications are nothing more than a wishlist at this point. The Kia EV6 has a 77kWh battery unit and the Lucid Air Dream edition packs a 118kWh battery. We’d expect the Apple Car to be an electric vehicle packing at least a 100kWh battery pack, splitting the difference. Expect at least 500 miles of driving range, and fast charging. Wireless electric car charging isn’t a thing yet, unfortunately. But going the "Apple Way" maybe the Apple Car use an automotive version of MagSafe? One can dream!

Related: Apple CarPlay Vs Android Auto Comparison: Here's The Better Infotainment Experience

How Much Will The Apple Car Cost?

2021 Lucid Air on the road
Lucid Motors

Prices for the Apple Car are currently unknown, surprise, surprise. But when it comes to trims, we may just see something like the Apple Car, Apple Car Plus and Apple Car Pro Max as a three model line up. Of course, the Apple Car will be available in signature Apple colors - Silver, Space Gray and Rose Gold.

The upcoming Apple Car will almost definitely go up against the premium end of the electric car market. The Apple Car will have the Tesla Model S and Lucid Air in its sights. But it’s also possible base models will slot in above cars like the Tesla Model 3 and the Kia EV6 itself. This makes sense for Kia to have an offering for people looking for a slightly more premium electric car, like the Kia EV9, but not an SUV.

Ultimately, the biggest rival might just be Apple itself. Considering the delays in the Apple Car project, change of leadership and all the different directions it may take. Keep it simple, Apple. And if the Apple Car looks like this one, expect really long shipping times for your pre-orders.