Foxconn is set to provide dedicated servers to Apple for training and testing artificial intelligence services, as reported by Taiwan’s Economic Daily News (via South China Morning Post).
The servers will be manufactured in Vietnam, a strategic move by Apple to diversify its supply chain beyond China. Foxconn is renowned for supplying servers to major players like Amazon, OpenAI, and Nvidia, primarily for AI applications. Notably, Foxconn holds the position of Apple’s primary supplier for data center servers.
Last month, Apple’s intentions to introduce “Apple GPT” artificial intelligence projects, potentially in competition with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, were revealed by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. While Apple’s specific plans for consumer products in this arena remain unclear, speculations suggest the likelihood of a “significant” AI-related announcement in 2024. Nevertheless, Gurman emphasizes that concrete plans are yet to materialize. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo states that Apple is trailing its competitors in the development of generative AI technology, with no indications of launching AI services in the upcoming year.
During the recent earnings call, CEO Tim Cook underscored the foundational importance of AI and machine learning across Apple’s product spectrum. Highlighting its critical role, Cook revealed that Apple has been deeply immersed in exploring generative AI for several years.
As of now, the forthcoming strides that Apple will make in the realm of AI remain the subject of keen anticipation.
Key Takeaways:
- Foxconn to exclusively supply dedicated servers for Apple’s AI testing.
- Server production to take place in Vietnam to diversify Apple’s supply chain.
- Foxconn already a major supplier for AI servers to Amazon, OpenAI, and Nvidia.
- Apple’s “Apple GPT” AI project in the works, potentially rivalling OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
- Unclear consumer product strategy, possibility of significant AI-related announcement in 2024.
- Analyst suggests Apple lags in generative AI technology, no confirmed AI service launch plans.
- CEO Tim Cook emphasizes AI’s core role in Apple’s product development.
- Apple’s prolonged exploration of generative AI.
