Apple is developing a dedicated artificial intelligence chip that will power AI related actions on mobile devices, according to a report from Bloomberg. An anonymous source told the publication that the chip which could be dubbed as Apple Neural Engine, will assist in functions such as computer vision, speech recognition, facial recognition, and other forms of artificial intelligence.
The chips could also be used in future products like self-driving cars or digital glasses, in addition to iPhones and iPads. This chip could improve the device’s overall battery life and potentially improve overall performance of Apple devices. The report further added that third-party developers will be offered access to the chip in order to run their own AI.
Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have all made significant advancements in AI and it looks like Apple wants to join the bandwagon. The company has already acquired a bunch of AI startups to further bolster its effort. It is not sure if the AI chip will be ready to power devices by this year. Apple’s WWDC conference is all set to kick start from June 5-9 in California where it is expected to reveal more details about its plans for AI.