Waymo and Uber have ended their robotaxi partnership in Phoenix, marking the end of an unlikely alliance that seemed impossible just a few years ago.
Waymo robotaxis are no longer available on Uber's ride-hail app in Phoenix, Arizona, as of May 2026, both companies confirmed to TechCrunch on Monday. The partnership lasted nearly three years. The vehicles were removed so quietly that most riders did not notice.
Both companies say they simply reached the contracted end date. Neither reported disputes or conflicts—the arrangement had simply run its course.
Uber is not abandoning autonomous vehicles in Phoenix. The company told TechCrunch it is preparing a separate partnership with an unnamed autonomous vehicle operator.
Waymo has integrated those Phoenix vehicles into its own fleet. The Alphabet-owned company says the robotaxis—which completed hundreds of thousands of trips—are now running through Waymo's own app, plus partnerships with Via for transit and DoorDash for delivery.
Both sides framed the split in positive terms. Waymo called it "a productive pilot that paved the way for future expansions," while Uber said the limited deployment of just over a dozen vehicles "helped them scale faster in Austin and Atlanta."
The timing is notable: this Phoenix breakup comes as Waymo launches its Zeekr-made van called the Ojai, and as the two companies prepare to compete directly in London as early as 2026.
In 2023, a Waymo-Uber partnership seemed unlikely after their 2018 legal battle. Now they are parting ways and entering direct competition.
