Apple seeks to leverage Foxconn’s capabilities to power its servers, a move that may be hindered by the provider’s existing capacity constraints.
Apple has intensified its focus on Apple Intelligence, a user-driven portfolio of artificial intelligence tools. As a result, the corporation aims to develop customized servers that enhance its computational capacity.
The corporation is engaged in discussions with Foxconn, its primary supplier of iPhones. The Taiwanese supplier already provides a similar service to that offered by Nvidia.
Apple aims to develop its servers using ARM-based architecture, a technology already utilized on the user-side of Apple’s intelligence options in Macs and iPads. While Apple’s server fleet may appear relatively modest compared to Nvidia’s, a more accurate statement would be: Apple’s server infrastructure is significantly smaller than that of Nvidia, which has a vast and established presence in the data center market.
Currently, Nvidia’s DGX-1 supercomputer holds the title of the world’s most powerful artificial intelligence (AI) computing platform. Apple would likely seek to leverage Foxconn’s resources to fuel its own operations.
Despite this, Foxconn’s connection with Nvidia is likely the reason why it cannot partner with Apple.
According to anonymous sources cited by Nikkei Asia, Foxconn is currently focused on establishing server facilities for Nvidia. With Apple’s relatively late entry into the market, it is likely that additional support will be needed during the initial stages, potentially putting further strain on Foxconn’s already constrained resources.
As a result, Apple is exploring various partnership opportunities, including collaborations with industry leaders such as China’s Lenovo Group and its subsidiary LCFC, as well as working with smaller suppliers like Common Scientific Industrial. Apple’s alleged discussions with Lenovo reportedly centre on manufacturing servers outside of China.
Apple has started deploying Apple Intelligence features on compatible devices, including the iPhone line, iPad lineup, and certain M-series iPads and Macs. As of now, Apple’s intelligence capabilities are restricted to the United States. Despite initial challenges, the company intends to
