Apple Explores Generative AI to Accelerate Custom Chip Design
By Stephen Nellis, San Francisco (Reuters)
Apple is keen on utilizing generative artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency of custom chip design, according to remarks made by Johny Srouji, the company’s senior vice president of hardware technologies. Speaking in Belgium while accepting an award from Imec, a prominent semiconductor research group, Srouji emphasized the importance of leveraging cutting-edge tools in chip development.
In his speech, Srouji traced the evolution of Apple’s custom chips, beginning with the A4 in 2010, which powered the first iPhone, to the latest processors designed for Mac desktops and the Vision Pro headset. Highlighting the complexities involved in chip design, Srouji acknowledged that partnerships with electronic design automation (EDA) firms like Cadence Design Systems and Synopsys are crucial. These companies are actively integrating AI into their design software, which Srouji believes could significantly enhance productivity in chip design.
"Generative AI techniques have a high potential in getting more design work done in less time," he stated, underscoring the transformative capabilities of these technologies in reducing workloads and expediting the design process.
Furthermore, Srouji reflected on Apple’s bold decisions in its chip strategy, such as the shift from Intel to Apple Silicon for its Mac computers in 2020. This transition, he noted, was a "huge bet" with no contingency plan, indicating Apple’s commitment to its vision for self-reliance in hardware.
As Apple continues to push the boundaries of chip technology, the integration of generative AI may play a pivotal role in shaping the future of its devices, enhancing both performance and innovation in the competitive tech landscape.
(Reporting by Stephen Nellis; Editing by Jamie Freed)
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