Apple unveils AI-focused chip in upgraded iPad Pro
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The news: Apple has unveiled four new iPad models, with its latest iPad Pro featuring a new chip for artificial intelligence computing as it rushes to catch up in a race to dominate the emerging technology.
The numbers: Apple said the iPad Pro — its highest-priced model — will have upgraded displays and start at USD1,000 ($1,515) for an 11-inch model and USD1,300 for a 13-inch model. It will come with an M4 chip with a larger "neural engine," part of the chip specifically designed for the kind of computing required by AI features such as generating text or images.
It also introduced new models of its mid-priced iPad Air, which will now come in a larger 13-inch screen size at USD800, as well as the 11-inch size it previously came in for USD600. Those tablets come with Apple's M2 chip.
The context: Apple CEO Tim Cook said last week the company is very bullish about the opportunity in generative AI and plans to make more announcements later this year. Thomas Monteiro, senior analyst at Investing.com, told Reuters that Apple has historically used the iPad line as a place to try new technologies with lower risk than bigger products like the iPhone or Mac.
Debuting its latest chip in a tablet rather than its Mac laptops is also unusual for Apple, and analysts suggested the tech giant is eager to give app makers a head start creating AI-related software ahead of its annual software developer conference next month.
While Microsoft and Alphabet have dived headlong into AI and seen their stocks surge to record highs, Apple's shares have fallen 5% in the year to date as it struggles with weak iPhone demand, and as investors wait for it to show how it will leverage AI technology.
The source: Reuters
