According to analyst Jeff Pu, Apple is planning to drastically expand its commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) and is working hard to build a server infrastructure for in-house AI applications. Based on information from suppliers, Apple is expected to install several hundred AI servers this year. Furthermore, it is predicted that an even significantly larger number of servers will be added next year.
It had previously been reported that Apple wants to secure a larger number of servers for training AI models. A subsidiary of Apple’s long-standing partner Foxconn has been named as a potential supplier. The servers are to be produced in Vietnam.
Apple is apparently planning to use both AI models in the cloud and “Edge AI”. The latter refers to AI models that run directly on the end devices. The company is currently working on developing a data protection-compliant solution for processing personal user data. Analyst Jeff Pu assumes that major AI-related announcements can only be expected towards the end of 2024, which coincides with the expected release of iOS 18.
Apple is reportedly planning to integrate larger language models into the Siri voice assistance system to enable Siri to perform more complex tasks. It is also working on integration with Apple’s shortcuts, which will allow functions in the operating systems to be automated.
Apple already uses AI in many parts of its operating systems. These include, for example, the camera, image analysis and auto-correction. These models run locally on devices, such as the iPhone, and not in the cloud. Apple generally uses the term “machine learning” instead of “artificial intelligence”. A Transformer language model that completes words is being used for the first time for autocorrection in iOS 17. However, it is not yet available in German.
Apple is also increasingly experimenting internally with generative AI models. Employees are testing a chatbot with the nickname “AppleGPT”. Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, has emphasized AI as a “big topic” in recent months, but at the same time warned that there are still many challenges to overcome.
