Apple is reportedly venturing into the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) by developing its own chip to power AI software in data centers. According to sources familiar with the matter cited by the Wall Street Journal, the project, internally known as Project ACDC (Apple Chips in Data Center), signifies Apple’s ambition to utilize its chip design expertise for its server infrastructure.
The move underscores Apple’s expanding presence in the semiconductor industry, bolstered by the success of its chips powering iPhones, iPads, and Mac laptops. While the company has yet to officially comment on the project, its shares surged by 1% following the news.
Unlike Nvidia, which dominates in training AI models, Apple’s server chip is expected to focus on running AI models, specifically inference tasks. This strategic shift aligns with CEO Tim Cook’s recent remarks about the company’s bullish stance on generative AI, signaling significant investments in AI-powered features slated for release in the near future.
In line with these developments, Apple is poised to unveil new iPad models at a virtual event, with speculation rife that some models will integrate a new chip designed to accelerate AI tasks on the devices.
Project ACDC has reportedly been in progress for several years, although the exact timeline for unveiling the new chip remains uncertain. Apple has collaborated closely with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to design and potentially produce these chips. However, it’s yet to be determined whether both companies have reached a definitive outcome in their efforts.
As Apple delves deeper into AI technology, its foray into developing specialized chips for data centers signals a strategic pivot towards enhancing AI capabilities across its product ecosystem.
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