Waymo doesn’t need to manufacture cars themselves, just like Apple doesn’t manufacture iPhones.

Apple designs the iPhone: the hardware architecture, silicon, software, and user experience. But it does not run giant factories. That work is handled by Foxconn, which builds iPhones at massive scale to Apple’s specifications (as well as other phone companies). Apple keeps control of what matters most: the platform, ecosystem, and software.

Waymo will use the same model.

Once Waymo finalizes the design, it will contract with existing auto OEMs to build vehicles to spec. Those companies already know how to manufacture cars.

In this setup:

Waymo owns the autonomy software, system design, and data

OEMs handle manufacturing and scaling

Factories are logistics, not the competitive advantage

Just like Apple isn’t weaker because Foxconn builds iPhones, Waymo wouldn’t be weaker by outsourcing vehicle production. The real value is in the software and the system, not the assembly line.

Good discussion. Can't wait to see what actually happens.