Apple Developing Enterprise Server on Custom Chips
Apple is reportedly developing an enterprise server built on its own M8 Ultra chips, according to The Information. The server, targeted at AI developers, companies, and governments, would use Nvidia’s NVLink Fusion for connectivity.
Two versions are under consideration: one with two M8 Ultra chips and a larger model with four. The technology is expected to become available in 2029 or later.
The report comes as the European Commission proposes the Cloud and AI Development Act, which grades public cloud contracts based on levels of sovereignty assurance.
Key points:
- Apple already builds servers for internal use, but this would be its first commercial offering.
- The server's target audience includes AI developers, companies, and governments.
- The availability date is estimated to be 2029, with potential changes or cancellations possible.
- Sovereignty concerns are a key factor in the Commission’s proposal, but hardware itself isn't directly regulated.
The distinction is between sovereign operation and sovereign technology. A machine a government owns and runs in its own building is an easier argument to make than a service somebody else runs.
- Ana Maria Constantin, a digital marketing expert, notes the challenge of achieving true sovereignty in an increasingly globalized tech landscape.