Apple is currently working on a new chip that will be used for processing artificial intelligence (AI). The chip might also be used for Apple's future devices.
According to a report by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the chip, also known as Apple Neural Engine, will control more advanced AI tasks. The Apple Neural Engine can be used for facial recognition, speech recognition and a predictive keyboard. Since AI processing will be moved to the chip, it will help manage battery life and power in devices because the main graphics processing unit (GPU) and central processing unit (CPU) will not eat a lot of data anymore.
In addition to iPads and iPhones, the Apple Neural Engine can also be used in other future products. Such include digital glasses or self-driving cars. Apple is also reportedly planning to add the chip to their devices; however, it is uncertain when that will happen.
Apple's competitors like Amazon, Google and Microsoft have already made important improvements in AI processing in devices. At their developers conference that took place in May, Google presented how they were adding AI processing to their products, such as phones, cars, and speakers. Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 processing chip also has a unique component for AI processing, which is already installed in some devices.
With this, people who are paying attention to the competition will not be surprised if Apple is working on a new AI chip. The tech giant has already made some improvements last year with its Siri AI assistant.
The advancement gave access to third-party developers in restricted categories, such as payments and messaging. Apple's developers conference will start on June 5, and a lot of tech enthusiasts will be expecting more about Apple's new AI chip processor.
