Apple Reportedly Develops AI Server With M-Series Ultra Chips for 2029 Release
Apple is reportedly developing an enterprise AI server built around its high-performance M-series Ultra chips, with a planned release in 2029. The server would come in two configurations featuring either two or four of Apple's future M8 Ultra chips, the same silicon found in its Mac desktop lineup. If it ships, the product would become Apple's first server to reach the market in nearly two decades.
According to The Information, the project began a year ago and received backing from John Ternus, who now serves as Apple's CEO after previously leading the company's hardware engineering efforts. The effort coincides with surging sales of the Mac mini and Mac Studio, as AI developers and companies increasingly buy the compact machines to run AI workloads. OpenAI has reportedly purchased tens of thousands of Mac minis and Mac Studios for reinforcement learning of AI agents, while Anthropic has rented Mac minis through Amazon Web Services.
Apple is also exploring data center networking equipment from Nvidia, with sources saying the two companies have discussed how Apple could leverage Nvidia's NVLink Fusion technology for its AI push. The project remains uncertain, however, and could still be canceled or proceed without Nvidia's technology. Still, if it moves forward, the server would represent a notable return to the enterprise market for Apple.