Rumors About Apple Car Intensify As Apple Hires Top Tesla Designer

Andrew Kim, who was working as a Tesla designer resigned from his position to join Apple, which has sparked rumous about Apple's plans to introduce its own Apple car. Through his profile on LinkedIn, we know that Kim became an Apple employee in December, while his Instagram account confirms that last Tuesday was his first working day at Apple Park.

In 2012, Kim was recruited by Microsoft after he posted his Slate design language concept online. While working at Microsoft, he took part in the development of the Windows 10 UI as well as other Microsoft products like the Xbox One S and HoloLens. After three and a half year, he joined Tesla where he was responsible for the designs of a number of cars which included the Model 3, S, X, Y, the Roadster V2 and the Semi.

There’s a great chance that Kim joining Apple might be related to the Cupertino giant’s intentions in researching augmented reality space rather than working on self-driving vehicles. While Apple has the tendency to keep its products in the dark, there are rumors that there might be an AR headset or AR enabled glasses coming from Apple in the next few years.

Surprisingly, Kim is not the first Tesla employee to move to Apple during the past few months. Last August, Tesla’s senior engineering, VP Doug Field rejoined Apple to take part in the company's car scheme, Project Titan, and work alongside Bob Mansfield. According to CNBC, Apple has recruited a number of Tesla employees in 2018 as numerous departures have been announced. An investor note was released by analyst Ming-Chi Kuon a few months ago which predicted that Apple will not start producing its Apple car until 2025.  

What Kim is really working on at Apple will still remain as a secret. With his talent proven by his design experience and previous achievement, he could contribute to any of Apple’s software or hardware projects.