Meet the iCar? Apple to test self-driving vehicles in California

The iPhone maker has been awarded a permit to test autonomous cars, moving into a highly competitive space that includes Google, Tesla and Ford

Apple is joining the fiercely competitive race to design self-driving cars, raising the possibility that a company that has already reshaped culture with its iPhone may try to transform transportation, too.

Ending years of speculation, Apple's late entry into a crowded field was made official Friday with the disclosure that the California department of motor vehicles had awarded a permit for the company to start testing its self-driving car technology on public roads in the state.