Apple’s server comeback may need Nvidia
Apple Develops AI Server Using Nvidia Technology
Apple is reportedly developing an AI server targeted at businesses, potentially leveraging Nvidia’s technology. According to The Information, this server will utilize Apple’s forthcoming M8 Ultra chips, which are set to be the company’s most powerful processors to date. Two configurations are expected: one featuring two M8 Ultra chips and a larger version with four.
A notable aspect of this development is Apple’s consideration of Nvidia’s NVLink Fusion technology for interconnecting the chips within the server. Some Apple employees believe Nvidia offers the best solution for this purpose, marking a significant shift in a relationship that has been strained since 2008, when Apple distanced itself from Nvidia following widespread failures linked to faulty graphics chips in MacBooks.
NVLink Fusion provides chipmakers with standardized connectors and specialized memory, enabling their custom chips to integrate into Nvidia’s extensive data center systems. The Information also indicates that discussions have taken place between Apple and Nvidia regarding the application of this technology in Apple’s AI initiatives.
The AI server is intended for AI developers, government agencies, and various businesses, focusing primarily on inference tasks—executing AI models rather than training them—where the demand for computational power is rapidly increasing.
Ternus took over as Apple CEO from Tim Cook on September 1. If it launches, the server would be Apple’s first since the Xserve, which was discontinued in January 2011. However, it is not expected before 2029, and The Information notes that it could still be cancelled or launched without Nvidia’s technology.
The project began about a year ago with backing from John Ternus , who was Apple’s hardware chief at the time. There is already a market for this kind of Apple hardware. The Information reports that OpenAI has bought tens of thousands of Mac minis and Mac Studios to train AI agents. Apple and Nvidia have not publicly commented on the report. Get the latest technology news and updates. Download the TOI App.