Chip máy chủ AI đầu tiên của Apple sẽ được thiết kế tại Israel

Dec-12, 2024 — Apple is accelerating its foray into the artificial intelligence (AI) market with the development of its first custom server chip, codenamed “Baltra,” designed specifically for AI processing. This groundbreaking initiative, reported by The Information and further detailed in recent reports, marks a significant step in Apple’s efforts to reduce reliance on third-party processors and establish itself as a major player in the rapidly expanding AI landscape.

The project, spearheaded by a team of Apple engineers based in Herzliya, Israel—the same team responsible for the successful development of Apple’s M-series Mac chips—involves a strategic collaboration with Broadcom. Broadcom’s expertise is crucial in designing the chip’s networking technology, a critical component for optimal AI performance.

Apple plans to leverage Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) cutting-edge N3P process for the fabrication of the Baltra chip, aiming for mass production by 2026. This advanced manufacturing process will enable the chip to deliver exceptional performance and efficiency, essential for powering Apple’s future AI services.

This move aligns Apple with other tech giants that have developed their own AI chips to enhance performance and reduce dependence on external suppliers, particularly NVIDIA. While challenges remain in this competitive space, Apple’s investment underscores its commitment to innovation and its intention to compete directly with industry leaders in the AI arena. The company’s recent announcement of its own server chips to power AI features on its devices, coupled with the development of Baltra, signals a significant shift in Apple’s AI strategy.

The development of Baltra follows Apple’s multi-billion dollar agreement with Broadcom in 2023 for 5G radio frequency components, highlighting a growing partnership between the two companies in the technology sector. Broadcom, in turn, is experiencing significant growth as a key beneficiary of the generative AI boom, with its share price reflecting the increased demand for its technology.

Apple’s commitment to developing its own AI server chip represents a significant investment in its future and a clear indication of its ambition to become a leading force in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. The company’s history of successful in-house chip design, coupled with its strategic partnerships, positions it well to compete effectively in this dynamic and highly competitive market.