By Max A. Cherney
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Apple relied on chips designed by Google (NASDAQ:) somewhat than business chief Nvidia (NASDAQ:) to construct two key elements of its synthetic intelligence software program infrastructure for its forthcoming suite of AI instruments and options, an Apple (NASDAQ:) analysis paper printed on Monday confirmed.
Apple’s determination to depend on Google’s cloud infrastructure is notable as a result of Nvidia produces probably the most sought-after AI processors.
Together with the chips made by Google, Amazon.com (NASDAQ:) and different cloud computing firms, Nvidia instructions roughly 80% of the market.
Within the analysis paper, Apple didn’t explicitly say that it used no Nvidia chips, however its description of the {hardware} and software program infrastructure of its AI instruments and options lacked any point out of Nvidia {hardware}.
Apple didn’t touch upon Monday.
The iPhone maker mentioned that to coach its AI fashions, it used two flavors of Google’s tensor processing unit (TPU) which are organized in massive clusters of chips.
To construct the AI mannequin that may function on iPhones and different gadgets, Apple used 2,048 of the TPUv5p chips. For its server AI mannequin, Apple deployed 8,192 TPUv4 processors.
Nvidia doesn’t design TPUs however somewhat focuses its efforts on so-called graphics processing items (GPUs) which are broadly used for AI efforts.
Not like Nvidia, which sells its chips and programs as standalone merchandise, Google sells entry to TPUs via its Google Cloud Platform. Prospects considering shopping for entry should construct software program via Google’s cloud platform with a view to use the chips.
Apple is rolling out parts Apple Intelligence to its beta customers this week.
Reuters reported the usage of the TPU chips in June, however Apple didn’t disclose the total extent of its reliance on Google {hardware} till Monday’s analysis paper.
Google didn’t return a request for remark, whereas Nvidia declined to remark.
Apple’s engineers mentioned within the paper it might be attainable to make even bigger, extra subtle fashions with Google’s chips, than the 2 fashions it mentioned within the paper.
Apple unveiled a slew of latest AI options at its June developer convention, together with integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT expertise into its software program.
The Cupertino, California-based firm’s inventory ticked down 0.1% to $218.24 in common buying and selling on Monday.
