Waymo weighs exit from Uber robotaxi deal

Waymo, Alphabet’s (GOOGL) autonomous-driving unit, is exploring options to exit its robotaxi partnership with Uber. The relationship currently allows Uber riders to book trips in autonomous Waymo vehicles in two U.S. cities, Austin and Atlanta. Reports published on July 24, 2026, said Waymo has been holding internal discussions about whether to end the tie-up as tensions between the companies have grown.

The partnership has been a notable example of collaboration between a major ride-hailing platform and a leading autonomous-vehicle developer. Any change in its structure would affect how riders in these markets access driverless rides and how both companies pursue their autonomous-vehicle strategies.

Waymo has given notice that it intends to launch robotaxi service in Austin and Atlanta through its own Waymo app in January 2028. The company has indicated this would occur “alongside their existing deployment with Uber,” signaling that, at least initially, riders may be able to access Waymo vehicles through both platforms.

Waymo has said that users need choice in how they experience autonomous technology and that this choice is essential to the industry’s future. The planned launch of its own app in cities where it already operates via Uber reflects an effort to broaden direct access to its technology and brand.

Reports describe deepening tensions between Waymo and Uber, including disagreements over policy and lobbying approaches tied to autonomous-vehicle deployment in U.S. markets. An intense lobbying battle over how and where robotaxis can operate has been cited as a source of strain in the relationship.

These policy and commercial frictions come as both companies seek influence over evolving rules for autonomous services. Diverging positions on regulatory and market strategies have added pressure to reassess the long-running partnership.

News that Waymo is exploring an exit from the robotaxi partnership coincided with a drop of around 4% in Uber’s share price on July 24, 2026. One outlet reported a 4.3% decline at the close, while another described the fall as more than 4%.

The potential shift raises questions about Uber’s longer-term approach to autonomous vehicles in key markets such as Austin and Atlanta. While Waymo vehicles remain available on Uber for now, the planned rollout of the standalone Waymo app and the ongoing tensions suggest the relationship is entering a more competitive phase.