Apple's foray into self-driving technology may not have fully materialized, but it played a crucial role in enhancing the company's AI chip capabilities. During the initial phases of developing its autonomous vehicle platform, Apple recognized the necessity for robust on-device AI processing. While the car-focused processor never came to fruition, insights shared by Mark Gurman in his recent Power On newsletter reveal that this endeavor was instrumental in creating the Neural Engine, the core of Apple’s on-device AI functionalities.
The Neural Engine first appeared in the iPhone X, paired with the A11 Bionic chip. At that time, it primarily facilitated computer vision applications, powering features like FaceID, Animoji, and various augmented reality experiences. This early investment in on-device AI processing helped Apple position itself as a front-runner, notably by integrating the Neural Engine into its M-series desktop chips. Despite Apple’s AI software trailing behind competitors, its hardware advancements have been noteworthy. This focus on powerful processing capabilities also bolsters Apple’s privacy initiatives, as the reliance on local computation reduces the need to send data to the cloud.
Looking ahead, Apple is prioritizing its AI hardware in its strategic direction. As reported by Gurman, the company plans to bypass the Pro, Max, and Ultra variants of the forthcoming M6 chip and instead focus on fast-tracking the development of the M7. Expected to launch in the first half of 2027, the M7 will feature significant enhancements to the Neural Engine. Additionally, the M7 Ultra is anticipated to serve as the foundation for a new server product from Apple, designed to support an impressive 1.5TB of RAM.
