Apple Launches AI Functionality in Cloud through Self-developed Chips

According to media reports, Apple will launch artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities this year through data centers equipped with self-developed chips.
Due to the unsatisfactory sales performance of both iPhone and Mac product lines, Apple is hoping to boost sales by introducing AI features, while reversing the predicament of lagging behind peers such as Microsoft and Google in the AI field. Apple has promised to announce new AI products at the Global Developers Conference in June.
Renowned technology journalist Mark Gurman said that Apple will deploy high-end chips (similar to those designed for Mac) in cloud computing servers to handle the most advanced AI tasks on Apple devices, and those simpler AI related functions will be directly handled by the built-in chips of iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Gulman’s disclosure echoes earlier reports in The Wall Street Journal, which previously reported that Apple has been developing chips that can run AI software in data center servers. The server project is internally codenamed ACDC (Apple Chips in Data Center).
It is reported that the ACDC project has been ongoing for several years, aiming to leverage Apple’s strength and experience in self-developed chips to develop server chips.
Gurman also stated that Apple currently plans to use its own data center to run cloud functionality, but ultimately will rely on external facilities, just like iCloud and other services.
About three years ago, Apple proposed a plan to use its own chips to process AI tasks in the cloud. With OpenAI’s chatbot ChatGPT driving the AI craze, Apple accelerated its research and development speed.
According to the disclosure, Apple has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the project over the past three years, but there is still room for improvement. It is reported that Apple will focus on features that make daily life easier for users and does not intend to launch its own chatbot service.
Apple has discussed the integration of chatbots into iPhones and iPads with OpenAI and Google. Currently, Apple is more likely to collaborate with OpenAI. In addition, Apple may also offer a range of options from external companies.