Apple Reportedly Building M2 Ultra and M4-Powered AI Servers

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses Apple's reported plans to build its own AI servers using the M2 Ultra and M4 chips.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Apple's AI Server Plans

1. What are the key details about Apple's AI server plans?

• Apple has started building its own AI servers that use the M2 Ultra chip, according to a report from Haitong analyst Jeff Pu.
• Foxconn is currently assembling these M2 Ultra-powered Apple AI servers, and there are plans to assemble AI servers powered by the M4 chip in late 2025.
• This is part of Apple's ongoing strategy to vertically integrate its supply chain and use its own chips to enhance the performance of its data centers and future AI tools.
• While Apple is prioritizing on-device processing for many upcoming AI tools, some operations will still need to occur in the cloud, which these new AI servers will support.

2. What other AI-related plans does Apple have?

• Apple is expected to announce on-device AI features at WWDC in June, such as audio recording summarization, photo and video editing, and live translation.
• The iPhone 16 lineup will tout a range of AI features, and the iPhone 17 models in 2025 will apparently be more focused on AI capabilities.

[02] Broader Context

1. How does this fit into Apple's broader strategy?

• Apple's decision to build its own AI servers is reflective of the company's ongoing strategy to vertically integrate its supply chain.
• By using its own chips, Apple aims to enhance the performance of its data centers and future AI tools that rely on the cloud.