According to recent reports, Apple's highly anticipated entry into the electric vehicle market has been pushed back once more. After years of development rumours and speculation, it seems fans of the tech giant will have to wait a bit longer for the fabled "iPhone on wheels".

Instead of the fully autonomous vehicle, many had envisioned, Apple is said to be reworking its plans. The new objective is a more modest EV with basic driver assistance systems. Gone are the ambitions of level 4 or 5 self-driving for now. The car will require human supervision, similar to Tesla's Autopilot. This scaled-back scope better reflects the roadblocks in developing true driverless technology.

Apple's automotive team has faced leadership shakeups and technical challenges, leading to resets over time. Perfecting autonomy has proven far more difficult than anticipated. The car's semiautonomous functions have been reduced as a result. Going forward, nailing even conditional self-piloting will be the new benchmark.  

Apple's car launch target has slipped to 2028 or later to account for the retooled mission. Previously pegged for 2025-2026, bringing the scaled EV to market will evidently require more time. The pressured program is resetting expectations to deliver assisted driving features before pursuing complete autonomy.

While no longer a leader in autonomy, Apple aims to distinguish itself by focusing on user safety. Frequent Tesla recalls have highlighted cyber and operational security risks. Apple hopes to sway buyers to go completely self-driving by prioritising safety and quality. If successful, the user experience remains a possible ace against rivals.

Despite major delays and reworks, Project Titan endures. Apple sees massive potential if the technical and regulatory hurdles can ultimately be cleared. Curbing scope for a speedier launch reflects pragmatism over persistence. With Apple's massive coffers behind it, their EV efforts aren't dead - only deferred to a later date.

Expect Apple's long-rumoured car to maintain an assisted driving profile upon its rescheduled 2028 arrival. Safety shall differentiate against the competition as true autonomy is elusive. While not the revolutionary vehicle envisioned, with refinement, the scaled idea could still roll out an "iPhone on wheels" down the road.