Waymo is reportedly exploring ways to part ways with Uber, ending a partnership that has seen its autonomous vehicles (AVs) available on the ride-hailing giant's network in Austin and Atlanta. Waymo intends to offer AV services independently in these markets from January 2028.

The move follows months of rising tensions between the two companies. In May, Uber’s CTO Praveen Neppalli posted a video critiquing what he deemed unsafe behavior by Waymo’s AVs. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi also criticized Waymo's vehicles during an earnings call, specifically in school zones and emergency situations.

Waymo has already pulled out of their partnership with Uber in Phoenix earlier this year. The split there was part of a broader battle over robotaxi regulations that the two firms find themselves on opposite sides of. Waymo’s intention to go solo suggests they may be looking for more control and autonomy in managing their own fleet.

The end of this partnership could have significant implications for both companies and future autonomous transportation services, as it signals a growing divide between tech giants even within the nascent sector of self-driving vehicles.