I think I would be quite happy to see them as a technology provider. Like cars have Bose or B&O sound, but for the full infotainment, cabin controls, etc.

However I would expect the auto maker to ensure they don’t go too low on buttons.

I honestly have no idea where all this is going. I’m curious. I think it would also make sense if they came up with good self driving stuff to just license that out to people, but that’s not the kind of thing Apple does. At least until now.

I agree with you that Apple would not want the headlines about their cars killing people. The way Tesla has had to deal with (right or wrong).