Just when you thought the tech world’s strangest rivalry couldn’t get any weirder, Tesla, Inc. decides to park its vision of the future right on Apple, Inc.’s lawn. A new, far more production-ready version of the Tesla Cybercab has been spotted on public display, not just at the company’s Santana Row showroom in San Jose, but also making a guest appearance at the Apple Visitor Center in Cupertino. This isn’t the rough-around-the-edges concept from previous reveals; the vehicle on display features numerous refinements pointing to a design that’s nearly finalized for production.
This updated Cybercab showcases a host of subtle but significant changes. Observers have noted a new frameless window design, a more refined front bumper, production-spec lighting, and even two windshield wipers instead of the prototype’s single blade. Inside, the minimalist two-seat cabin appears more polished with a redesigned dashboard, updated materials, and potentially more legroom, all while conspicuously lacking a steering wheel or pedals. These refinements suggest Tesla is moving beyond the concept phase and tooling up for its ambitious, driverless future.
The choice of venues is, to put it mildly, fascinating. The Santana Row showroom is logical, a home-turf reveal for loyalists and the curious. The Apple Visitor Center, however, is a masterclass in trolling or a very public statement. Given the long-simmering rumors of Apple’s own now-defunct automotive project, placing the Cybercab on its rival’s doorstep is a bold move that speaks volumes about Tesla’s confidence in its autonomous strategy, even as the timelines for true self-driving remain characteristically optimistic.
Why is this important?
This public debut is Tesla’s way of making its robotaxi network feel tangible after years of promises. By showcasing a near-production vehicle, the company is shifting the narrative from abstract software updates to physical hardware, signaling to investors and competitors like Waymo that its purpose-built autonomous vehicle is imminent. The stunt at Apple’s headquarters is more than just corporate theater; it’s a declaration that while one tech giant has reportedly exited the automotive race, another is flooring the accelerator on a future where you don’t own a car, you summon one.
