Apple to Significantly Increase Number of AI Cores on Next Generation M4 and A18 Processors [Rumor]

Apple is set to significantly increase the number of AI cores on its next generation processors, according to a new report from UDN.

Industry insiders have allegedly told the site that not only will Apple enhance the AI computing power of its M3 and A17 processors, it will also noticeably boost the number of Neural Engine cores for the upcoming M4 and A18 processors.

Apple's product line is rumored to receive a major upgrade, with the next-generation M4 and A18 processors for devices like the iPad, MacBook, and iPhone significantly increasing the number of built-in AI computation cores. This year, the volume of wafers TSMC (2330) processes using its enhanced 3nm technology for Apple is expected to increase by more than 50% compared to last year, securing a large amount of advanced packaging capacity and boosting TSMC's operational momentum. TSMC traditionally does not comment on the dynamics of individual customers and orders. Industry insiders reveal that Apple, targeting the major trend towards AI, will not only significantly enhance the AI computing power of the M3 and A17 processors this year but also the new generation M4 and A18 processors will see a noticeable increase in AI computation core numbers and performance, with a significant boost in the AI application rate across all product lines.


UDN expects these enhancements will increase Apple's wafer orders to TSMC. Sources estimate that orders for the company's 3nm process technology will grow by over 50% this year. Additionally, Apple is said to have secured a large amount of TSMC's advanced packaging capacity.

Currently, Apple has equipped the iPhone 15's A17 Pro with a 16-core Neural Engine that is up to 2X faster than its predecessor, allowing for up to 35 trillion operations per second. The M2 Ultra features a 32-core Neural Engine.

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