Apple has chosen to use Google’s AI chips instead of industry-leading Nvidia GPUs for its new artificial intelligence infrastructure, a move that could have significant implications for the AI industry.
Key details from Apple’s research paper: A report published on Monday revealed that Apple is using Google’s tensor processing units (TPUs) to power its AI model training process, rather than Nvidia’s widely-used GPUs:
- Apple deployed 2,048 of Google’s advanced TPUv5p chips and 8,192 TPUv4 processors to develop the server-side of its new AI model, which is designed to operate on iPhones and other Apple products.
- The research paper detailing Apple’s AI infrastructure conspicuously lacked any reference to Nvidia chips, raising questions about the tech giant’s decision to avoid the industry leader.
Implications of using Google’s TPUs: Apple’s choice to use Google’s TPUs is significant because it differs from the industry-standard approach of using Nvidia’s GPUs for machine learning development:
- Google’s TPUs are designed differently than Nvidia’s GPUs and are only accessible through the Google Cloud Platform, requiring customers to develop their software using Google’s cloud services.
- This decision by Apple may indicate a shift in the AI industry, as more companies explore alternatives to Nvidia’s dominant GPUs.
Apple’s AI rollout and investor reaction: The information about Apple’s use of Google’s TPUs comes as the company begins rolling out its new “Apple Intelligence” capabilities to beta users:
- Apple’s developer beta program currently includes various AI-powered features, giving app creators an early preview of the company’s future software offerings.
- Despite the significance of this news, Apple’s stock showed only a marginal reaction, with investors possibly taking a wait-and-see approach given the company’s history of deliberate and polished entries into new technological landscapes.
Analyzing the broader context: Apple’s decision to use Google’s TPUs instead of Nvidia’s GPUs raises questions about the future of the AI industry and the potential for new partnerships and competitions:
- As more companies explore alternatives to Nvidia’s GPUs, the AI chip market could become increasingly diverse and competitive, leading to new innovations and collaborations.
- Apple’s choice to partner with Google for its AI infrastructure could also signal a shift in the relationship between the two tech giants, who have historically been rivals in many areas.
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