Apple has taken a bold step within the AI chip race with the release of the latest iPad Pro lineup, which includes the all-new M4 chip. It’s about more than raw CPUs and GPUs; it’s a powerful revelation in the field of AI processing.
M4’s Neural Engine
Apple advertises that the M4 chip is 50% faster than the M2 chip, the previous generation processor, and possesses a GPU which has four times the performance. However, the star of the display has to be the neural engine. Apple’s M4 neural engine as the fastest is capable of beating any neural processing unit (NPU) present on contemporary AI desktop PCs. It’s not only a demonstration of power.
The AI PC Revolution
These refer to devices fitted with an NPU or a dedicated neural engine. That being said, Microsoft, Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and Nvidia are among those who have entered the battle, each one of them is fighting for an upper hand in the AI market. Apple started to put Neural engines in its chips since the iPhone X’s A11 processor in 2017. The M4’s introduction relates a transition from a capacity claim to a tough data.
In its M4 debut, Apple highlighted the ability to process 38 trillion operations per second (TOPS). Toilet paper is no longer just marketing hype; it’s a challenge issued to competitors.
Apple’s M4 Chip
- Performance Metrics
The M4 has a 50% higher CPU compared to the M2, its predecessor, and possesses a 4 times more powerful GPU. In fact, the nerve engine is the superstar of the show. Apple says it is the fastest one on the market, performing better than any NPU available for today’s AI-capable PCs.
- Generative AI Applications
The goal of the M4 is to build small versions of the large language models, like the recent ChatGPT, Copilot by Microsoft and Gemini by Google. Privacy and efficiency are likely to remain Apple’s core narrative due to on-device AI processing.
The Rivals
- Intel
It is Core Ultra chips that incorporate NPUs which have recently come out. Intel enters the AI-enabled PC market to respond to the industry trends.
- AMD
The XDNA AI-based chip that was launched back in May 2023 has been generating ripples in the market. AMD makes their AI innovation commitment obvious.
- Qualcomm
The Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips invade in the battle. Qualcomm’s purpose is to transform intelligence processing in Windows PCs.
- Microsoft
AI PCs were the basis of Microsoft, which released their Copilot software for Windows as a result. A new key which hadn’t been seen in 30 years tells us that they really believe in the category.
Future Endeavors
AI PCs try to use the smaller version of the large language models that are the same as ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Copilot, and Google’s Gemini. Apple will now step up its expectations about AI (Artificial Intelligence) in the M4, at WWDC 2021 that will happen next month.
Conclusion
This AI arms race has Apple’s M4 chip at the helm of the first-round shots. AI supremacy is the new goal, and all eyes across the tech world are on it. It rectifies that we’re entering the age of computing based on AI.
Image Source: finance.yahoo