Introduction
Apple has just released the iPhone 17, finally fixing the battery drain that annoyed users for years. But rumors suggest Apple’s ambitions go beyond smartphones, wearables, and laptops. The company may be eyeing its most audacious project yet — the Apple iCar.
If launched, the iCar could combine futuristic design with the typical Apple “ecosystem trap.” But what would that mean for Pakistan, where EV infrastructure is still crawling? Would it solve our transport issues in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Karachi — or just give us another stylish reason to joke about selling kidneys?
1. The Price Tag – Kidney Economics
Apple products are never cheap. Industry chatter suggests the iCar may start at $300,000. That’s the price of a decent plot in DHA Lahore or Bahria Town Islamabad.
Why so high? Because Apple knows loyalists will pay for:
- A sleek, minimal design.
- The glowing Apple logo.
- The bragging rights of owning the first Apple-branded car.
But, in classic Apple style, the charger won’t be included. Apple might say:
“We assumed you already had one from your other EVs. If you can afford an iCar, surely you’re not driving a Suzuki Mehran with a CNG cylinder.”
In Pakistan’s context, the iCar charger alone could cost as much as a kidney — maybe even a liver.
2. The Battery – Fixed Globally, Broken Locally
The iPhone 17 finally brought a long-lasting battery. If the same tech powers the iCar, it might offer 350–400 km range per charge globally.
But in Pakistan, the challenges remain:
- Few charging stations outside of Lahore and Islamabad.
- Load-shedding issues that make EV charging unreliable.
- Range anxiety worse than watching your phone at 2% while stuck on the M2 Motorway.
Even if Apple delivers a miracle battery, Pakistani iCar owners would still be looking for charging sockets at petrol pumps.
3. Charging Port in the Wrong Place
Apple loves “different” designs — often impractical. Remember the Magic Mouse charging port underneath? Expect the iCar to follow the same philosophy.
Imagine:
- A charging port under the car.
- To recharge, you’d need to lift or flip your iCar in your garage.
In Lahore traffic, if your battery runs out near Mozang or Kalma Chowk, you’d be blocking half the city while figuring out how to flip a $300,000 vehicle upside down.
4. Accessories – Sold Separately
Apple’s history with overpriced accessories is legendary. The iCar would likely follow suit:
- Tires: Sold separately.
- Car keys: $9,999 extra.
- Rear-view mirror: $1,499 (optional).
- CarPlay 2.0 subscription: Monthly fee.
Until you buy these extras, your iCar would sit in the driveway looking like a very sleek, very expensive brick.
5. Self-Driving – But Straight Into Trouble
Apple promises cutting-edge AI. But in Pakistan, even Tesla’s autopilot would get confused. The iCar’s self-driving system would likely:
- Crash into a rickshaw in Karachi.
- Get stuck behind a donkey cart in Lahore.
- Confuse potholes in Rawalpindi for “new smart parking spots.”
On launch day, it might even mistake a tree for a shortcut. And don’t forget: Apple’s AI “glitches” have a track record — just like Apple Intelligence being paused for years.
6. The Ecosystem Trap – Buy More to Unlock Features
Apple loves locking features inside its ecosystem. The iCar will be no different.
- Starting your car: Only works if you wear an Apple Watch.
- Opening the trunk: Siri command required. Don’t be surprised if Siri opens your garage instead.
- Navigation: Only Apple Maps. Forget Google Maps, especially if you’re an Android user.
In short: owning an iCar would mean owning an entire Apple lifestyle, not just a car.
7. Classic Apple Moves You Can Expect
- Colors: Silver, Space Grey, Midnight. That’s it.
- Annual updates: A new horn sound, sold as “revolutionary.”
- Limited compatibility: Android users won’t even be allowed to carpool.
8. The iCar in Pakistan – Reality Check
While Apple might market the iCar as futuristic, its practical use in Pakistan is questionable.
Challenges:
- Import duties: A $300,000 car could cost nearly Rs. 1 crore+ after taxes.
- Road conditions: Karachi’s Shahrah-e-Faisal or Rawalpindi’s Saddar streets aren’t built for luxury EVs.
- Resale value: Pakistani buyers prefer Toyota, Honda, and Suzuki. An iCar would confuse dealerships.
Risks:
- A simple scratch from a motorbike or Qingqi could result in a repair bill equal to the price of a Corolla.
9. Why Renting a Car May Be Smarter
Until Apple solves these problems, Pakistanis who want premium travel can rely on Al Farooq Rent a Car.
Why Choose Al Farooq Rent a Car?
- Rent a car in Islamabad or Rawalpindi at affordable rates.
- Rent a car with driver for comfort and legal compliance.
- Long-distance travel like Islamabad to Lahore rent a car and Islamabad to Faisalabad rent a car.
- Family trips with spacious vehicles.
- Airport pickups and drop-offs at Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.
- Transparent pricing — unlike Apple’s accessories.
Instead of saving up for a futuristic iCar that may never work in Pakistan, renting from Al Farooq is a practical, affordable, and stress-free solution.
FAQs About Apple iCar
Q1: What will the Apple iCar price be in Pakistan?
Expected starting price: $300,000 internationally. After duties, it could exceed Rs. 1 crore in Pakistan.
Q2: Will the iCar work in Pakistan?
Technically yes, but issues like lack of charging stations, poor road conditions, and high taxes will make ownership impractical.
Q3: Does the Apple iCar include a charger?
No. Based on Apple’s history, the charger will likely be sold separately, at a high price.
Q4: What models will Apple launch?
Apple is rumored to test sedan and compact SUV prototypes, but nothing official has been confirmed.
Q5: What alternatives exist for premium travel in Pakistan?
For now, the smarter choice is renting luxury cars with services like Al Farooq Rent a Car, especially in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Conclusion
The Apple iCar may well be the sleekest EV the world has ever seen. But in Pakistan, it would bring headaches: astronomical prices, impractical design quirks, and limited usability.
Instead of dreaming about an iCar that may never arrive, Pakistanis can already enjoy premium, reliable travel with Al Farooq Rent a Car. Whether it’s city commutes, intercity trips, or airport transfers, Al Farooq offers a legal, practical, and affordable way to travel without selling your kidneys.
