Apple could be using its top-secret Project Titan to develop a head-up display (HUD) on its self-driving cars' windshields. A research firm has reported it is "very likely" that the tech giant is designing a 27-to-50-inch (68-to-127-cm) display that would project clear icons and critical data onto a vehicle's curved glass window.
The report was made by an analyst at Global Equities Research on August 20, Thursday. Jet pilots already use such technology.
Sensors could also be hooked up to the HUD to make it totally gesture-controlled, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. It could result in the $700+ billion company's next generation gadget following the iPad, iPhone, and Apple Watch.
Tech analyst Trip Chowdhry said that the company would unlikely launch a HUD soon. It could be used in TVs or other types of devices.
Apple has a long history of developing top-secret innovative tech and products. In fact, several websites are dedicated to them.
If Apple is indeed developing a HUD it would be a huge development in the company's venture into the auto industry. There have already been sightings of camera-mounted Apple vans driving throughout California.
The new tech could be linked to Project Titan. Reuters reported in February that hundreds of Apple workers were developing a self-driving minivan, with the project having that codename.
However, until now the company's only auto-related product is CarPlay, its infotainment system. Users can plug in iPhones, or access music libraries and maps on the dashboard display, according to The Hullaballoo.
HUD tech has become one of the fastest-growing technologies in the auto industry. Hyundai, Volvo, and BMW recently unveiled works-in-progress smart windshields that showed music playing and speeding warnings.
Jaguar Land River is also developing a product. It would highlight pedestrians and show a "ghost car" that drivers would follow to get to Point B.
Some HUD systems are already on sale. They include ones that project texts, Twitter and Facebook notifications, and directions.
This video features the Jaguar-Land Rover head-up display system: