Apple Utilised Google's Chips for AI Model Training
Apple utilised Google-designed chips over Nvidia's processors for AI infrastructure. Two versions of Google's tensor processing unit were used for AI model training. Apple will introduce Apple Intelligence to beta users this week.
Apple's decision to use Google's cloud infrastructure is noteworthy considering that Nvidia is the largest maker of AI processors, accounting for over 80% of the market, along with chips from Google, Amazon.com, and other cloud computing companies.
Although Apple did not explicitly confirm the exclusion of Nvidia chips, its research paper detailing the hardware and software infrastructure of its AI tools did not reference Nvidia hardware.
For training its AI models,Apple utilised two variants of Google's tensor processing unit (TPU) in large chip clusters. Apple used 2,048 TPUv5p chips for the AI model designed for iPhones and other devices, and 8,192 TPUv4 processors for the server AI model.
Unlike Nvidia, which focusses on graphics processing units (GPUs), Google provides access to TPUs through its Google Cloud Platform, requiring clients to write software on the platform to use the chips.
Apple is set to introduce segments of Apple Intelligence to beta users this week, following Reuters' previous report on the TPU chips in June. However, the full extent of Apple's reliance on Google hardware was only disclosed in Monday's research paper.
Apple developers acknowledged the possibility of constructing even more broad and sophisticated models with Google's hardware than the two models outlined in the study.
Apple announced a number of new AI capabilities at its developer conference in June, including the integration of OpenAI's ChatGPT technology into its software.
Despite these improvements, Apple's shares fell 0.1% to US$218.24 in regular trade on Monday.
Apple utilised Google-designed chips over Nvidia's processors for AI infrastructure
Two variants of Google's tensor processing unit were employed for AI model training
Apple to introduce Apple Intelligence to beta users this week
Source: REUTERS