“In a rare confirmation, an Apple representative has acknowledged these layoffs, citing internal restructuring being undertaken under the new leadership. In August 2018, Doug Field, a former Tesla VP Engineer and Apple veteran had returned to lead the Titan team, alongside Bob Mansfield. In a similar manner, Apple had cut back on Project Titan in 2016, when hundreds of the team were reassigned/fired, “shifting strategies” shortly after Mansfield took over the reins. Based at a top-secret facility in Sunnyvale, California, Titan had counted well over 1,000 employees at its peak, with experts in automotive hardware/software reimagining automobiles. Apple has been testing prototype technology with a fleet of SUVs, fitted with sensor arrays, GPS equipment andcameras, in and around the San Francisco Bay Area, for a while now.
Realizing that the autonomous project is perhaps more distracting than initially thought, Apple may just be cutting its losses. Downsizing Titan now could be a sign that Apple’s management and shareholders are looking to stay focused on profitability/costs, by concentrating on their core products and technology. Based on current business indicators, they also need to go further, and faster, and be two steps ahead of existing competitors. Do believe Apple is focusing on getting its mojo back.” – Vinay Piparsania