Apple Is Developing Homegrown Chips To Run AI Tools in Data Centers [Report]

Apple Is Developing Homegrown Chips to Run AI Tools in Data Centers [Report]
(Photo: Wikimedia Commons/iMahesh)

Apple is ready to take its efforts to the next level regarding artificial intelligence (AI). According to a new report, the company is developing a chip to run artificial intelligence software in its data centers.

Apple Is Developing Its Own Chip To Run AI Software

Apple is trailing behind its competitors when it comes to AI. It has been evading questions about its plans for the technology. However, a new report suggests that Apple is working on its chip. It is preparing to launch several new features and is working on bespoke server hardware to power AI models.

According to the source, the effort, internally known as effort ACDC (Apple Chips in Data Center), intends to use Apple's experience in chip design for its server infrastructure. Per the publication, the project dubbed Project ACDC has been in the works for several years, but it is unclear when or if the project will be revealed.

The report added that Apple's server chip's component would probably be more concerned with running AI models, known as inference, than training them. The corporation has reportedly been closely collaborating with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (2330. TW) to design and start production of such chips. Still, it's unclear if their efforts have produced a conclusive outcome.

However, Apple watcher Mark Gurman stated that a project with a similar name was shelved and that it makes no sense because Apple likes on-device AI, and it would be too costly.

Apple did not immediately respond for comment.

ALSO READ: Apple Is Working on an AI-Powered Health Coach With Customized Programs for Users [Report]

Apple Works on AI-Powered Health Coach

Before the report about Apple developing chips to run AI software, the company used AI-powered health coaches to assist its users in creating better exercise, sleeping, and eating routines.

Last year, Apple made headlines for its Quartz service (and app). Its iPadOS 17 included a specialized version of the Health app for the iPad.

In addition to its planned journaling app, Apple is also developing a standalone emotion tracker and other nearsightedness-friendly features.

These new features would complement Apple's products' growing array of health-related features. For example, it offers weekly new workouts through its premium Fitness Plus service, and last year, it included a medication tracking feature.

Yoga classes, a meditation app, and support for Fitness Plus are allegedly planned for the company's future mixed reality headgear, among other wellness features.

According to Victoria Song, customers would have to wait a very long time. She believed it would take a long time before Apple achieved its target of including noninvasive blood glucose monitoring in its products.

Apple is not the only company working on improving its offerings. Finland's Oura Ring also introduced chronotypes to its product to help users examine their sleeping habits. Its goal is to assist users in reviewing their multifaceted sleep-wakefulness cycle and overall sleep health to improve their physical and mental health.