New High-Speed Technology Paves Way for Apple Intelligence Upgrades

[MacRumors]

Apple has backed a technology that could contribute to future Apple Intelligence advancements.

The consortium behind the "Ultra Accelerator Link" or "UALink" technology today announced that Apple, Alibaba, and Synopsys have joined its Board of Directors. The three companies will contribute to further development of the technology.

UALink is described as a "high-speed, scale-up interconnect for next-generation AI cluster performance." The consortium is aiming to release UALink 1.0 in the first quarter of 2025, and it will enable data speeds of "up to 200Gbps per lane."

The technology could pave the way for faster and more efficient Apple Intelligence servers.

"UALink shows great promise in addressing connectivity challenges and creating new opportunities for expanding AI capabilities and demands," said Becky Loop, Director of Platform Architecture at Apple. Loop added that "Apple has a long history of pioneering and collaborating on innovations that drive our industry forward."

It is not clear if or when Apple will adopt the technology, or if it is merely interested in helping out the overall AI industry.

Apple Intelligence servers are currently powered by the M2 Ultra chip, and they are expected to start using M4 series chips this year. In an eventual move away from Mac chips for server use, The Information recently reported that Apple has been developing a new AI server chip that will offer even faster performance for AI workloads.

Article Link: New High-Speed Technology Paves Way for Apple Intelligence Upgrades

 

[Bustycat]

I can't wait longer for the most advanced Genmojis ever.

 

[turbineseaplane]

No thank you

Good lord I can't believe how many resources are being wasted on this BS

 

[WarmWinterHat]

I hope that all these hardware "innovations" are useful for things other than AI as I plan to keep it disabled on all my devices.

Kinda reminds me of Alton Brown and how he hates unitask kitchen hardware. I feel the same way about things like this.

 

[ProbablyDylan]

People are going to whine about effort being "wasted" on AI - an interlink like this is useful for more than just AI workloads. It's like how PCIe is useful for more than just video cards.

 

[doobydoooby]

Siri has gone backwards since Apple unintelligence. A remarkable feat.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Siri has gone backwards since Apple unintelligence. A remarkable feat.

I thought we'd hit rock bottom with Siri ... but alas ... new lows being set before our eyes & ears!

 

[USB-Adapter]

Apple's apparent failure to capitalise on the potential offered by artificial intelligence represents a significant opportunity cost for the company. In an effort to mitigate the risks associated with this missed opportunity, Apple is currently exploring avenues through which it can invest before competition in the sector intensifies and potentially limits its options.

 

[DelayedGratificationGene]

I can't wait longer for the most advanced Genmojis ever.

That’s funny but genmojis are awesome!

 

[turbineseaplane]

an interlink like this is useful for more than just AI workloads

That is definitely what I'm hoping .... that all of this has benefits that extend beyond AI usages

 

[rizzo41999]

Sounds like vaporware to me.

 

[StuBeck]

I don't think bandwidth is what is causing the issues with Apple's AI service personally.

 

[Godspeed8230]

I always refer to the Gartner Hype Cycle when it comes to new technology.

1. Innovation Trigger
2. Peak of Inflated Expectations
3. Trough of Disillusionment
4. Slope of Enlightenment
5. Plateau of Productivity

I think it is pretty obvious where we stand at the moment when it comes to everything AI.

 

[carswell]

The breathless media coverage of Apple Intelligence is really getting tiresome.

 

[turbineseaplane]

The breathless media coverage of Apple Intelligence is really getting tiresome.

Given the disparity between what it actually is and does ... and the coverage and press for it

One really wonders how much Apple is jamming this down everyone's throat behind the scenes

 

[PsykX]

Siri has gone backwards since Apple unintelligence. A remarkable feat.

It hasn't gone backwards, it stayed the same. Yes, it still sucks, 100% agree.

Siri based on an LLM foundation in iOS 19 (2025/2026) will be THE game-changer everyone's waiting for. And this is pure AI.
All of those saying this is wasted resources... can keep the current Siri if they want.

 

[9081094]

No thank you

Good lord I can't believe how many resources are being wasted on this BS

Alibaba is a Chinese conglomerate. Sharing your technology will be absorbed and used in a sistercompany to leapfrog the joint venture.

 

[Razorpit]

Siri has gone backwards since Apple unintelligence. A remarkable feat.

Now she just flat out lies, or makes things up. Would not be surprised to see a future Mac Rumors article on Siri sending out a, "The cake is a lie" notification to everyone. 😄

 

[jayryco]

Good lord I can't believe how many resources are being wasted on this BS

Apple does nothing, people complain. Apples puts more into R&D, people complain.

 

[surferfb]

People complain that Apple Intelligence isn't good enough and the same people are also complaining that Apple is investing money to make it better. What a world.

 

[Thisismattwade]

I hope that all these hardware "innovations" are useful for things other than AI as I plan to keep it disabled on all my devices.

Kinda reminds me of Alton Brown and how he hates unitask kitchen hardware. I feel the same way about things like this.

Just wanted to recognize you for mentioning the great AB in an utterly unrelated context. 👏

 

[turbineseaplane]

Apple does nothing, people complain. Apples puts more into R&D, people complain.

It’s quite a bit more nuanced than that

“What” they invest in matters, for instance

 

[sw1tcher]

People are going to whine about effort being "wasted" on AI - an interlink like this is useful for more than just AI workloads. It's like how PCIe is useful for more than just video cards.

Unless you're a M2 Ultra Mac Pro in which case the PCIe slot is useful for things except a video card 🤣

 

[citysnaps]

October 2001: Who asked for a thousand songs in your pocket?

 

[Mousse]

The flaw with AI lies in the software, not hardware.🧐 All this means is you get the wrong answer faster.😁