Apple’s Next-Generation Chips to Feature Upgraded Neural Engine for Future iPhone and Mac Models: Report
Apple is set to take another leap forward in the world of artificial intelligence (AI) with its next-generation A18 and M4 chips. According to a report from Taiwanese publication Economic Daily News, these chips will come equipped with an upgraded Neural Engine that boasts “significantly” more cores. This development is expected to enhance the performance of AI and machine learning tasks on future iPhone and Mac models.
The upgraded Neural Engine is particularly exciting as it aligns with rumors surrounding the upcoming iOS 18. Speculations suggest that this operating system will introduce new generative AI features for Siri, Shortcuts, Messages, Apple Music, and more. Apple CEO Tim Cook himself hinted at the company’s focus on generative AI during an earnings call, promising to share more details “later this year.” It is anticipated that iOS 18 will be officially announced at Apple’s annual developers conference, WWDC, in June.
The A18 series chips are projected to make their debut in the highly anticipated iPhone 16 models, which are expected to be released in September. There have been previous rumors suggesting that some of the generative AI features could be exclusive to these new iPhone models. The upgraded Neural Engine could be a key factor behind this exclusivity, as it promises to deliver an unprecedented level of performance.
Apple has a rich history of improving the Neural Engine in its iPhones over the years. The iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X featured a 2-core Neural Engine, while the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR boasted an 8-core Neural Engine. The iPhone 11 series and subsequent models, including the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13 series, all came equipped with a 16-core Neural Engine. This consistent improvement in performance showcases Apple’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI capabilities, even when core counts remain unchanged.
Moving on to the Mac lineup, most models powered by Apple silicon chips already incorporate a 16-core Neural Engine. However, there are a couple of exceptions. The Mac Studio and the Mac Pro, when configured with an M1 Ultra or M2 Ultra chip, feature an impressive 32-core Neural Engine. This demonstrates Apple’s dedication to delivering top-of-the-line AI performance across its product range.
While the A18 and M4 chips are set to revolutionize AI capabilities on iPhones and Macs, Apple is not stopping there. The company is already looking ahead to the future, with plans to release Macs equipped with an M4 chip in late 2024 or early 2025. These upcoming models are expected to further enhance the Neural Engine’s capabilities, solidifying Apple’s position as a leader in AI technology.
The rise of generative AI has been a significant trend in recent years. In 2022, OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT, a chatbot capable of responding to questions and prompts, sparked widespread interest in the field. Other tech giants like Google and Microsoft have also joined the race, introducing their own chatbots and tools that can generate images and respond to voice queries. With Apple’s focus on generative AI, it is clear that the company aims to stay at the forefront of this rapidly evolving landscape.
As we eagerly await the release of the A18 and M4 chips, it is evident that Apple is committed to pushing the boundaries of AI and machine learning. The upgraded Neural Engine promises to deliver enhanced performance and open up new possibilities for Siri, Shortcuts, Messages, Apple Music, and more. With iOS 18 on the horizon and the potential exclusivity of generative AI features on the iPhone 16 models, Apple enthusiasts have much to look forward to. As Apple continues to innovate and refine its AI capabilities, it solidifies its position as a trailblazer in the tech industry.
