Apple: Neural Engine chip to remove users from devices

Apple is reportedly working on a dedicated artificial intelligence chip that would power AI-related tasks on mobile devices, according to a report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The chip, which may be called the Apple Neural Engine, would be used to offload tasks that require sophisticated algorithms related to facial and speech recognition and augmented reality tasks that rely heavily on computer vision. 

An AI-enabled processor would help Cupertino, California-based Apple integrate more advanced capabilities into devices, particularly cars that drive themselves and gadgets that run augmented reality, the technology that superimposes graphics and other information onto a person's view of the world.

As a result, it was only a matter of time before Apple needed dedicated chips for AI. “The question wasn’t if Apple was going to do a specialized AI chip, but when,” said Patrick Moorhead, president and principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy.

It’s unclear if the chip would make its way into devices this year, Bloomberg reports, but Apple has already started testing future iPhone prototypes with the chip. The ultimate goal would be to separate the most computationally intensive tasks from the iPhone’s processor and graphics chip — much in the same way Apple uses distinct chips to power motion sensing across its device line and the chip that helps its AirPods more easily sync wirelessly with the iPhone.

The possibility of an AI chip in development isn’t surprising considering Apple’s escalated interest in Artificial Intelligence over the years. In the past, Apple has acquired a couple of AI startups.

The company also became a member of the research group Partnership on AI – initially set up by Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, and IBM – earlier this year. The research group focuses on the collaborative development of AI and its influence on the society.

Apple has been typically secretive about any and all developments regarding future products, but according to commentators, Apple chief Tim Cook has over the last few years, dropped hints in interviews that augmented reality and AI were the two core pillars of Apple's future

It’s not yet clear when the Apple chip would be ready, but it’s possible the company could discuss it at its Worldwide Developer Conference in early June.