- Apple develops “Baltra” server chip for AI, with production goal in 2026
- Israeli silicon team lead project; Mac chip canceled to focus
- Broadcom and TSMC N3P Technology Collaborate to Improve Development
Apple is reportedly developing its first server chip designed specifically for artificial intelligence.
A pay report from Wayne Ma and Qianer Liu in The information states that the project, codenamed “Baltra,” aims to address the growing computational demands of AI-driven functions and is expected to enter mass production by 2026.
Apple’s silicon design team in Israel, which was responsible for designing the processors that replaced Intel chips in Macs in 2020, is now leading development of the AI processor, according to sources. To support this effort, Apple has reportedly canceled development of a high-performance Mac chip made up of four smaller chips joined together.
Central to Apple’s efforts
The report notes that this decision, made over the summer, is intended to free up engineers in Israel to focus on Baltra, signaling Apple’s shift in priorities toward AI hardware.
Apple is working with semiconductor giant Broadcom on this project, using the company’s advanced networking technologies needed for AI processing. While Apple typically designs its chips in-house, Broadcom’s role is expected to focus on networking solutions, marking a new direction in their partnership.
To manufacture the AI chip, The information says Apple plans to use TSMC’s advanced N3P process, an upgrade to the technology behind its latest processors, like the M4. This move highlights Apple’s focus on improving performance and efficiency in its chip designs.
The Baltra chip is expected to boost Apple’s efforts to integrate AI more deeply into its ecosystem. By leveraging Broadcom’s networking expertise and TSMC’s advanced manufacturing techniques, Apple appears determined to catch up to its rivals in the AI space and establish a stronger presence in the industry.
In November 2024, we reported that Apple approached its manufacturing partner Foxconn to build AI servers in Taiwan. These servers, which use Apple M-series chips, are intended to support Apple Intelligence features on iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.
