(Reuters) – Apple (NASDAQ:) is developing its own chip to run artificial intelligence software in data centers, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Apple, which lags its rivals in artificial intelligence, has dodged questions about its plans for the technology.
“We continue to be optimistic about our capabilities in generative artificial intelligence and are making significant investments,” CEO Tim Cook told Reuters.
The report says the project, codenamed Project ACDC (Apple Chips in Data Center), aims to leverage Apple’s expertise in developing chips for its server infrastructure.
The ACDC project has been in the works for several years, but it is unknown if or when it will be unveiled, according to the newspaper.
The report says the Apple server chip component will likely be focused on running artificial intelligence models, also known as inference, rather than training artificial intelligence models.
Apple did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
The company is working closely with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to develop and begin production of such chips, the WSJ reported, adding that it remains unclear whether the two companies have achieved final results.