(Original headline: Apple received permit in California to test self-driving cars: DMV) Netease Technology News on April 15th, according to Reuters, Apple has obtained a license to test driverless cars in California, which led to speculation that the company is developing driverless car technology. At present, competition in this field is fierce, and many companies hope to be the first to introduce unmanned cars for the general public. The California Motor Vehicle Authority (DMV) said on Friday that the permit allows Apple's three cars and six drivers to test driverless car technology on the road. All of these cars are the 2015 Lexus RX450h. Although it has never publicly admitted that it is considering building a driverless electric car, Apple has recruited dozens of automotive experts in recent years. If Apple has any plans that may exist in this area, the license reveals more information. Chris Theodore, former vice president of Ford Motor Company and Fiat Chrysler and consulting firm Theodore & Associates, said: "This really confirms the long-rumored rumors that Apple has at least some hope of participating in no one The idea of ​​driving a car to compete." Obtaining a license does not necessarily mean that Apple is building a car. Theodore said: "This is not necessarily the original rumors that Apple will develop driverless cars, but software or possible hardware associated with driverless technology." An Apple spokesman declined to comment directly on the permit, but reiterated the company’s statement when it submitted a written opinion to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the end of last year. In November last year, Steve Kenner, director of Apple's product quality control, sent a five-page letter to NHTSA to further speculate that the company will enter the highly competitive unmanned area. In the letter, Kenler wrote: "The company is investing heavily in machine learning and automation, and is excited about the potential of automated systems in many areas including transportation." At that time, Apple stated that it had submitted its own opinions to NHTSA. "Because Apple is investing heavily in machine learning and automated systems. Potential uses of these technologies include future transportation, so we hope to cooperate with NHTSA to help formulate best practices in this industry." . Apple executives have been reluctant to publicly acknowledge their interest in cars. Tim Cook, the company's CEO, said that Apple hopes not only to integrate its smartphone into the car infotainment system. More and more traditional car manufacturers, technology companies, and small startups are testing driverless cars in California—they all want to be the first to introduce commercially viable, self-driving cars that can hit the road. Now Apple has joined this rank. The companies that have obtained permission to test driverless cars in California also include Alphabet, Ford, Volkswagen, Daimler, Tesla, and General Motors. Many companies said that the first unmanned car for general consumers will be launched in 2020. However, some experts believe that this process may take longer due to regulatory challenges. Apple shares fell 0.5% on Thursday to $141.05. (Liu Chun)