chip development” src=”https://www.cultofmac.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Apple-MacBook-Pro-M4-chip-series-3up-1536×864.jpg” class=”post-image-img attachment-large wp-post-image” alt=”Image showcasing Apple M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max processors” data-ratio=”1.7777777777778″/>
Apple shifts focus from M4 Extreme to innovative AI chips. Image: Apple
Shift in Strategy: Apple Abandons M4 Extreme for Advanced AI Development
Recent reports indicate that Apple has decided to abandon its plans for the M4 Extreme silicon processor. The company is refocusing its efforts on developing an advanced AI server chip instead.
Collaboration with Broadcom on Cutting-edge AI Technology
The tech industry is witnessing a significant surge in artificial intelligence initiatives, and Apple is no exception to this trend. Though it has entered the AI landscape later than some competitors, Apple’s commitment to advancing its capabilities is evident. The company currently utilizes Amazon’s chips for pre-training models of its proprietary AI systems but depends on servers powered by its own silicon—namely the M2 Ultra—for processing tasks. By 2025, it plans to transition these operations over to servers based on the anticipated M4 architecture.
As demand for artificial intelligence applications continues to escalate in upcoming years, Apple recognizes the need for more potent chips that can expedite processing tasks.
“Baltra”: A New Era of Artificial Intelligence Chips
According to sources at The Information, Apple’s forthcoming AI processor is internally dubbed “Baltra.” This chip could enter mass production by 2026 and will utilize TSMC’s cutting-edge 3-nanometer technology node. To enhance connectivity across devices and optimize processing speeds further, Apple’s collaboration with Broadcom will leverage the latter’s proficiency in networking technologies. Both entities have reportedly established a one-year timeline aiming to finalize the chip’s design.
This cooperation follows a multi-year agreement signed between Apple and Broadcom in 2023 focusing on developing 5G RF chips—further solidifying their collaborative relationship.
The Decision Behind Dropping M4 Extreme
The pivot toward creating an advanced AI chip appears responsible for shelving plans regarding the high-performance M4 Extreme designed for Macs set to be released soon. Conceived as a powerhouse featuring multiple interconnected Max/Ultra components, speculation suggested that this SoC would boast an impressive configuration including a 64-core CPU paired with up to a formidable 160-core GPU.
Nvidia’s Dominance Among Competitors
Today’s market sees Nvidia reigning as the largest supplier of artificial intelligence-related processors globally; however, due largely in part due of longstanding disagreements between Nvidia and Apple remains firmly committed against utilizing Nvidia GPUs during training procedures related their own systems.