Apple reveals a new AI-focused chip in the updated iPad Pro

Apple unveiled its latest iPad Pro with a new artificial intelligence (AI) processing chip on Tuesday, as it races to catch up with its rivals in a race to dominate the technology.

Introducing its latest chip into a tablet rather than Mac laptops is unusual for Apple and suggests the company is eager to give app developers a head start on creating AI-related software ahead of its annual AI conference. developers next month, analysts said.

The announcements had little impact on Apple shares, which rose about 0.5% after rising as much as 1.8% earlier in the day.

While Microsoft and Alphabet have dived headfirst into artificial intelligence and seen their shares rise to record highs, Apple shares are down 5% year to date as the company struggles with weak demand for the iPhone and as Investors are waiting to see how the company will leverage AI technology. .

Apple said the iPad Pro, its most expensive model, will have upgraded displays and start at $1,000 for an 11-inch (27.9 cm) model and $1,300 for a 13-inch (33 cm) model.

It will come with an M4 chip with a larger “neural engine,” a part of the chip specifically designed for the kind of processing required to perform artificial intelligence features like generating text or images.

Apple’s chips have been equipped with a neural engine since 2017, but competitors such as Intel and Qualcomm promote competitive technologies they call neural processing units, or NPUs, for personal computers.

“At this level of performance, the Neural Engine and M4 are more powerful than any neural processing unit in any AI PC today,” said Tim Millet, Apple’s vice president of platform architecture, during the presentation.

Apple also introduced new models of its mid-range iPad Air, which will now be available with a larger 13-inch screen for $800, in addition to the 11-inch size previously selling for $600. These tablets feature Apple’s M2 chip. Apple, which will hit the market in the company’s MacBooks in 2022.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.