Apple's failed self-driving car program left a legacy of powerful AI chips (www.theverge.com)

Apple's self-driving car program may have faltered, but it inadvertently fueled the creation of its powerful AI chips, particularly the Neural Engine, which is now crucial for on-device AI processing. Initially developed to support autonomous driving technology, the Neural Engine debuted with the iPhone X and the A11 Bionic chip, enhancing features like FaceID and augmented reality. This foundation has allowed Apple to maintain a competitive edge in AI hardware, positioning itself as a leader in on-device processing while emphasizing user privacy through minimized data transmission to the cloud. Looking ahead, Apple is doubling down on its AI hardware strategy by accelerating the development of the M7 Ultra chip, anticipated for release in the first half of 2027. This new chip is expected to bring significant upgrades to the Neural Engine and will support up to 1.5TB of RAM, potentially revolutionizing Apple's server capabilities. By shifting focus to the M7 and skipping intermediate versions in the M6 line, Apple aims to solidify its role in AI advancements, leveraging its robust hardware to complement its evolving software strategy.