With its technology called the Private Cloud Compute (PCC) system, Apple is making Zoom into its ware to provide users with absolute privacy once its advanced servers start gathering users’ data. The new servers will use Apple’s latest custom silicon to handle more complex AI processing while protecting the user’s data.
Sources familiar with the project say Apple will put the M4 chip in these private cloud servers in 2024, removing them from the M2 Ultra chip, which is now powering most PCC modules. The upgrade, which Nikkei Asia reported, will strengthen Apple Intelligence by accelerating how AI requests that need cloud help can be processed. This means that servers are secure and safe for users to store personal information and support users with smooth experiences on AI-powered features of Apple devices.
Apple’s new private cloud servers promise faster, more secure AI processing
These AI servers were built with the help of Apple, which collaborated in Taiwan with Foxconn. The charm is for Foxconn to capitalize on Taiwan’s skilled engineering talent and established R&D resources, particularly those on Nvidia, another Foxconn client, to drive Apple’s AI development and low penetration even faster. The efforts show that Apple is dedicated to enhancing its AI at the cost of shunning away its restrictive privacy aspects.
Apple’s PCC servers are a key step towards protecting user data. In scenarios where on-device processing doesn’t cut it, the PCC system kicks into action, handling requests in the cloud, safely encrypting data end-to-end, and even working to keep the data private from Apple. PCC is a secure bridge between device and cloud that keeps personal data clear and out of the hands of unauthorized users, says Apple.
It follows Apple’s privacy-driven design strategy. If the M4 chip upgrade is rolled out, the PCC modules will be ready to crunch more advanced AI tasks more quickly. Experts don’t know exactly which variant of the M4 chip, but whoever said so believes it will likely be an unconfirmed, yet-to-be-unveiled M4 Ultra chip, announced recently as the latest in Apple’s silicon lineup.
Image credit: Furkan Demirkaya/Ideogram
