Apple is reportedly developing an AI server that would utilize its high-performance M-series Ultra chips, commonly found in Mac desktops. The potential product, expected to launch in 2029, would signify Apple's return to the server market after nearly two decades and could leverage the growing popularity of Apple hardware among AI developers.
The enterprise server is said to come in configurations with either two or four of Apple's future M8 Ultra chips. This project reportedly gained support from new Apple CEO John Ternus when it commenced a year ago, during his tenure leading Apple's hardware engineering.
This development aligns with the strong sales of Apple's Mac mini and Mac Studio, which are being purchased by AI developers and companies for running AI workloads. The widespread adoption of these M-series Ultra chip-powered devices has likely spurred Apple's interest in creating an enterprise server using the same technology.
Reports indicate that AI companies like OpenAI have acquired "tens of thousands" of Mac minis and Mac Studios for training AI agents through reinforcement learning. Anthropic has also been observed renting Mac minis from Amazon Web Services.
Apple is also exploring the possibility of connecting its M8 chips with data center networking equipment from Nvidia. The potential integration of Nvidia's NVLink Fusion technology stems from ongoing discussions between Apple and Nvidia regarding how Apple can utilize Nvidia's technology for its AI initiatives.
While the project could still be canceled or proceed without Nvidia's technology, its realization would mark a significant re-entry for Apple into the enterprise server market, following the discontinuation of Apple's Xserve in January 2011.
Should Apple's AI server come to fruition, it could become a key part of John Ternus' legacy. Ternus officially assumed the role of Apple CEO from Tim Cook on September 1, after Cook's 15-year tenure.
However, Apple's server ambitions and the increasing popularity of Mac computers amid the AI boom are confronted by a significant supply chain challenge affecting the entire tech industry: the ongoing shortage of memory chips. This shortage is exacerbated by the rapid build-out of AI data centers by various companies.
As previously reported, the memory chip shortage has led to substantial price increases for numerous consumer electronics, including gaming devices and many flagship smartphones, as well as a wide array of Apple products.
