The tech industry's rapid shift towards artificial intelligence (AI) has led to a significant change in Apple's approach to chip development. A surprising factor contributing to this change is the failed Apple Car project.
In a recent report, Apple's M7 chip is set to feature enhanced on-device AI processing capabilities. According to the report, Apple's ability to advance its AI hardware development is largely due to the components created during the Apple Car project. These components were designed to handle the vehicle's AI processing, and although the Apple Car project was abandoned, they have become the foundation for Apple's AI hardware.
The most notable outcome of the Apple Car project is the Neural Engine, a key component of Apple's A-, S-, and M-series chips. Introduced in the A11 Bionic chips used in the iPhone X in 2017, the Neural Engine has since become a crucial part of Apple's chip development. Initially referred to as "machine learning," the Neural Engine is now a key differentiator for Apple, enabling on-device AI processing that outperforms cloud-based services in terms of speed, security, and offline functionality.
On-device AI processing has become a critical feature for Apple, allowing for faster performance, better security and privacy, and offline functionality. This capability is seen as a significant advantage over competitors that rely on cloud processing for AI services. As a result, Apple's chip development is now centered around the Neural Engine, which is expected to play a crucial role in the company's upcoming products.
