Apple has reportedly registered multiple domain names that are linked to automobiles, including Apple.car, Apple.cars, and Apple.auto. It is unclear if the website names are related to the company's self-driving vehicle program, iPhone-supporting CarPlay system for major automakers, or is an attempt to stop fake Apple websites.

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MacRumors reported the registration of the domain names on January 8, Friday. The sites are listed on the WHOIS registry site that tracks the companies or individuals who register Web addresses. However, they are not active yet, according to CNET.  

CarPlay will roll out this year for some major automakers' models. It syncs a vehicle with a smartphone and controls various functions including texting, music, and navigation. That is through touchscreens or steering wheel buttons, or voice command.

Another theory is that the tech giant is actually developing an electric/self-driving Apple Car through its project code-named Titan. The company recently hired employees with auto-related backgrounds.

Apple has been trying to get employees from companies such as Ford, GM, Tesla, Samsung, and Nvidia to join its team.

In fact, Mission Motors lost several employees to Apple. It resulted in the electric motorcycle startup company going out of business.  

Tesla CEO Elon Musk recently admitted that many of his company's ex-workers were now on Apple's payroll, according to Ubergizmo. He referred to it as his company's "graveyard."

Apple also recently hired a top Mercedes-Benz executive. He specializes in research and development.

In 2015 Apple reportedly was in talks with a Bay Area testing facility. The California facilities are used for testing autonomous and connected vehicles.

Last September the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) confirmed that it had met with Apple. The purpose was to review the state's rules of the road for autonomous vehicles.

However, Apple has not provided any solid evidence that it is developing an iCar. Meanwhile, this week's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas included self-driving cars from car makers such as Volkswagen and Nissan.

Apple's electric/self-driving car plans for the next few years are unclear. However, registering the three domain names suggests that the company could be planning to compete with Tesla and Google.