Apple rumored to work with Broadcom on first server chip for AI, putting conversational Siri timeline in focus – 9to5Mac

In a heavily paywalled article, The Information reports that Apple is partnering with Broadcom to develop a new AI chip specifically designed for server use. Apple currently runs Apple Intelligence through its M-series chips on its servers through a system known as Private Cloud Compute. The distinction, according to the report, is that the new chip expected as soon as 2026, will be Apple’s first server chip specifically designed for AI tasks.

The Information cites “one of the people” in saying that Broadcom is Apple’s partner for developing its server chip for artificial intelligence. The chip, The Information says, carries the code name Baltra.

So why the Broadcom connection and why a new AI chip? Apple has designed its own processors for the iPhone and Mac for over a decade, and the Mac has ran on an Apple designed chip for years. These chips are designed with neural engines for processing AI tasks quickly. However, the rumored server chip for AI tasks can have specifications that don’t make sense in a personal computer. Broadcom, a U.S. firm, specializes in manufacturing server processors.

For Apple Intelligence, the rumor bodes well for the future of complex artificial intelligence tasks. Given the rumored 2026 target, this could mean Apple Intelligence could get much more capable sooner than later. An upgrade to Apple’s Private Cloud Compute system could boost an already rumored Siri feature.

What complexity could Apple Intelligence offer? Mark Gurman at Bloomberg reported last month that Apple intends to release a more conversational version of Siri that could be announced as soon as next year and launched as early as — wait for it — 2026. This version of Siri would offer the same type of conversational query input that ChatGPT and Claude provide today.

Read the full AI server chip story from The Information.

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