Apple's AI Ambitions: Hopes to Gain Advantage through AI Chip Development, Software to be Enhanced with AI

As tonight's Spring Event draws near and the Worldwide Developers Conference WWDC scheduled for June approaches, Apple, which has always been silent in the field of AI, is rumored to unveil its AI strategy at next month's event, including the data-scarce generative AI model "Ajax" and the "ACDC" AI chip reported by foreign media.

Spring Event Approaching, iPad Positioning Clarified

According to the Apple website, the company will host the "Let Loose" spring event on the 7th at 10 p.m. Taiwan time, where it is expected to unveil the new iPad Pro and iPad Air.

Renowned Bloomberg Apple journalist Mark Gurman noted that the focus of this event will be on the iPad, suggesting that the company will make efforts to position the iPad as a laptop replacement.

He mentioned that previous iPads lacked the multitasking capabilities of laptops and did not offer significant advantages over regular smartphones. Even efforts to enhance office efficiency by increasing screen size and using external keyboards were considered compromises:

However, Apple plans to equip the iPad with Mac-level chips, which are expected to significantly boost the device's performance.

He further added, "With smartphones becoming increasingly powerful, Apple must redefine the positioning of the iPad in this event."

Apple Apps Likely to Integrate AI Features

According to Mark Gurman's previous report, as part of iOS 18, Apple has been testing its generative AI model "Ajax" since early last year and intends to integrate it with core applications alongside AI technologies from OpenAI or Google. This integration will include:

• Pages, Numbers, and Keynote will feature AI-based automatic summarization and conclusion analysis.
• Software development tool Xcode is expected to incorporate AI features to keep pace with tools like Github Copilot.
• AppleCare, the hardware maintenance service, will utilize AI chatbots for assistance.
• Apple Music is set to upgrade with AI technology to provide personalized playlists.

Furthermore, Apple Insider claims that the built-in Safari browser will also incorporate related technologies:

• Safari will be enhanced to include real-time webpage summarization and content-blocking tool "Web Eraser."
• Visual search functionality is expected to be launched in 2025, allowing users to obtain product information directly from images on websites.

None of the above has been officially confirmed by Apple.

Moreover, during last week's quarterly earnings call, Apple CEO Tim Cook revealed the results of integrating AI technology with Apple Watch:

We are using AI and machine learning to provide life-saving features for Apple products, such as abnormal heart rate notifications and fall detection.

However, Mark Gurman admitted that Apple still lags behind competitors in the AI field, including its biggest rival, Samsung, which recently launched the Galaxy S24 series with extensive AI integration:

Apple's generative AI vision is not expected to be fully realized and integrated into products until at least 2025.

Apple's Artificial Intelligence Strategy to be Revealed in June

According to a report by WSJ, Apple is developing chips, internally known as "ACDC Apple Chips in Data Center," for running AI software on data center servers, aiming to gain a competitive edge in the AI field.

As various companies adopt AI technology, Apple seems poised to reveal details about "Ajax" and "ACDC" at the upcoming 35th Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June.

Insiders previously indicated that the focus of the June 10-14 conference will not only be the release of iOS 18 and the next-generation versions of its major products but also on AI integration, with Apple potentially unveiling their highly anticipated artificial intelligence strategy.

Rumors suggest Google and Apple are collaborating to develop AI and may introduce Gemini to the iPhone.