Apple is exploring the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to significantly speed up the design of its custom chips, which are core to its various devices. This insight comes from remarks made by Johny Srouji, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies, during a private speech last month in Belgium. Srouji was there to receive an award from Imec, a prominent independent semiconductor research and development group.
In the recorded speech, reviewed by Reuters, Srouji detailed Apple’s journey in custom chip development, from the inaugural A4 chip in the 2010 iPhone to the cutting-edge silicon currently powering Mac computers and the Vision Pro headset.
A key takeaway from Apple’s chip design experience, according to Srouji, is the imperative to leverage the most advanced tools available, including the latest chip design software from electronic design automation (EDA) firms. Notably, major EDA industry players like Cadence Design Systems and Synopsys have been actively integrating AI into their offerings.
Srouji emphasized the critical role of EDA companies in managing complex chip designs. He stated that “Generative AI techniques have a high potential in getting more design work in less time, and it can be a huge productivity boost.”
Another crucial lesson Apple learned in its chip development journey was the importance of making bold strategic decisions without fallback plans. Srouji highlighted the 2020 transition of Mac computers from Intel’s chips to Apple’s own silicon as a prime example. He revealed that there were no contingency plans in place if the switch didn’t succeed.
“Moving the Mac to Apple Silicon was a huge bet for us. There was no backup plan, no split-the-line-up plan, so we went all in, including a monumental software effort,” Srouji explained.
