Apple's Abandoned Self-Driving Car Program Yields Powerful AI Chips

Apple's self-driving car program never really got off the ground, but it may have been what made the company's chips the powerful AI performers they are. Early in the development of the self-driving platform, Apple realized that it would need powerful on-device AI processing. While the car processor was never finished, as Mark Gurman details in his latest Power On newsletter, it did lead to the development of the Neural Engine, the backbone of Apple's on-device AI processing.

The Neural Engine made its debut with the iPhone X and the A11 Bionic. In those early days, it was primarily used for computer vision, powering FaceID, Animoji, and other features. Why this matters: The legacy of Apple's self-driving car program could have far-reaching implications for the company's future in AI.

The Neural Engine has become a key component of Apple's devices, enabling features like facial recognition, natural language processing, and image recognition. As AI continues to play a larger role in the tech industry, Apple's in-house chip development could give it an edge over competitors. However, questions remain about how Apple will continue to evolve its AI capabilities, particularly in areas like autonomous systems and edge AI.

The company's ability to adapt and innovate in these areas will be crucial in maintaining its position in the market. Developers and businesses will be watching closely to see how Apple's AI chips are used in future products and services, and consumers can expect to see even more sophisticated AI-powered features in their devices.