Apple is reportedly embarking on a new phase in its artificial intelligence (AI) journey by teaming up with Foxconn, a prominent manufacturer known for producing iPhones. The tech giant aims to catch up with rivals in the realm of generative AI, and it seems that they’re ready to accelerate this effort by utilizing servers from Foxconn to test and implement their AI services.

Foxconn’s Role in Apple’s AI Strategy

According to reports from Taiwan’s Economic Daily News, Apple has turned to Foxconn to provide servers manufactured in Vietnam for training and implementing their AI services. This partnership marks a significant step for Apple as it seeks to diversify its production away from its reliance on China. Notably, Foxconn is not only the leading supplier of iPhones for Apple but also a major provider of servers used in Apple’s data centers.

Apple’s Pursuit of ‘Apple GPT’

Recently, reports have surfaced about Apple’s active development of its AI system called ‘Apple GPT.’ However, industry insiders suggest that Apple’s AI strategy may not be as crystallized as it needs to be. Despite this, Apple is taking concrete steps to enhance its AI capabilities, which include testing and refining its AI services through the use of Foxconn-manufactured servers.

The AI Landscape and Apple’s Position

While Apple is making strides in its AI ambitions, it’s acknowledged that some competitors have already made significant headway in the realm of AI-driven large language models (LLMs). Meta, for example, recently introduced its Llama 2 LLM, which is set to be integrated within Microsoft’s Azure ecosystem. Google has also unveiled its own LLM, known as PaLM2, to power its Google Bard chatbot.

Addressing AI’s Future

Analysts and experts have noted that Apple might still be playing catch-up when it comes to AI, especially in comparison to its closest competitors. Figures like Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo have pointed out that Apple’s progress in generative AI has some way to go before it reaches the level achieved by others. However, Apple’s collaboration with Foxconn indicates a clear intention to bridge this gap and solidify its stance in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

As the technological race continues, it remains to be seen how Apple’s foray into AI will unfold. With strategic partnerships like the one with Foxconn, Apple is positioning itself to embrace the potential of AI and make meaningful contributions to this transformative field.