Apple Quietly Develops ‘Software Core’ For Self-Driving Car Program In Canada; Former BlackBerry Employees Involved In Project

Late last month it was revealed that Apple is quietly working on the iPhone 8 in its Herzliya, Israel offices. Today, it’s been revealed that the Cupertino giant is working on its car operating software in its Kanata, Canada facility. The location is somehow strategic, since the tech company hired ex-employees of its former rival, BlackBerry, to work on this project.

According to MacRumors, Apple’s R&D facility in Canada is focused on the “software core” of its upcoming self-driving car program that is currently being developed by a separate Project Titan team. The car operating system is said to come with many features, such as a heads-up display that would be very useful to drivers who want to access Maps via Apple’s digital assistant, Siri.

The BlackBerry employees who are working on Apple’s car software were identified to be former software engineers of the BlackBerry QNX platform that powers infotainment systems of cars. One of the software engineers is Dan Dodge who previously managed the BlackBerry QNX division. Dodge joined the Cupertino giant back in July and he is now said to have a key role in this project.

AppleInsider has learned that the new software is currently being tested in virtual reality simulators. The reason why Apple is testing its software in VR is because the company wants to avoid the risks of using prototypes in public roads.

Meanwhile, speaking of the transfer of BlackBerry QNX personnel to Apple’s new project, BlackBerry chief operating officer Marty beard told Bloomberg: "We're in a global world of big technology companies fighting for talent. It's not surprising."

The news about Apple’s software project in Canada comes after it was revealed that the Cupertino giant is moving to a different direction when it comes to its venture into the automotive industry. Instead of building self-driving cars, the company is now focused on building a self-driving car platform that it could use in partnering with existing carmakers or for its own vehicle once it decides to push through with the original goal of Project Titan.