Apple's use of Google chips for AI models is revealed in research paper

In a recent research paper published by Apple, it was disclosed that the company opted to use chips developed by Google, rather than industry leader Nvidia, for the creation of two vital components in its artificial intelligence (AI) software infrastructure, reports Reuters. This decision is noteworthy as Nvidia is known for producing highly sought-after AI processors. While the research paper did not explicitly mention the absence of Nvidia chips, the description of Apple's hardware and software infrastructure for AI tools and features did not make any reference to Nvidia hardware.

Apple relied on Google's cloud infrastructure, incorporating chips created by Google alongside those produced by Amazon.com and other cloud computing companies. While Nvidia currently dominates around 80% of the market, Apple's choice to leverage Google's chips demonstrates a departure from this prevailing trend.

To train its AI models, Apple utilized two versions of Google's tensor processing unit (TPU) organized in large chip clusters. The AI model designed for iPhones and other devices employed 2,048 TPUv5p chips, whereas the server AI model utilized 8,192 TPUv4 processors. It should be noted that Nvidia focuses on graphics processing units (GPUs) rather than TPUs, as the latter are Google's area of specialization.

Distinct from Nvidia's approach, where chips and systems are sold as standalone products, Google offers access to TPUs through its Google Cloud Platform. Interested customers must conceive software via the platform to harness the power of these chips.

While Apple confirmed the use of TPU chips in June, the extent of their reliance on Google hardware was not fully disclosed until the publication of their research paper. Apple engineers mentioned that Google's chips offer the potential to create even larger and more advanced models than those discussed in the paper.

At its developer conference in June, Apple unveiled numerous AI features, including the integration of OpenAI's ChatGPT technology into its software. As part of ongoing developments, Apple plans to roll out portions of Apple Intelligence to beta users this week.

Apple's stock experienced a slight decrease of 0.1% to $218.24 in regular trading on Monday. Furthermore, Google did not provide a comment, while Nvidia opted not to comment on the matter.

Earlier SSP reported that Tesla will launch humanoid robots in 2022.