Apple M5: The next Apple SoC for both AI servers and Macs?

Apple wants to design its upcoming Apple Silicon chip as a “dual-use SoC” from the start. This would make it possible to use the processors directly as server chips. Apple should have already done this with the M2 Ultra model as part of its private cloud compute solution for Apple Intelligence, but these are clearly not optimized for life in a data center, which could lead to problems with longevity.

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New chip structure using carbon fiber

According to a Chinese language report by Taiwan-based business newspaper Economic Daily Quoted by electronics magazine DigiTimesa new type of packaging called SoIC (“System on Integrated Chip”) is used, which was developed by Apple’s chip manufacturer TSMC. This technology dates back to 2018, but it is intended to be used by Apple as a new hybrid structure.

According to TSMC, a 3D structure allows parts of the architecture to be stacked on top of each other, which in turn should enable better heat dissipation as well as better electrical signal control. The hybrid SOIC package relies on, among other things, a new carbon fiber composite material that can be molded into shapes just like a thermopolymer. The first test manufacturing is reportedly already underway. Mass production should be expected in one to two years.

Time Machine’s alternative Carbon Copy Cloner 7 makes operations easier

Server, iPhone and Mac combined via PCC

Apple’s need for new SoCs is likely to grow in the coming years. The company is now also trying to vertically integrate the cloud. There are technical reasons for this: a single platform must be available for servers to communicate directly with SoCs in iPhones, iPads and Macs using private cloud computing. Until now, Apple has relied on regular off-the-shelf server chips for iCloud and other services. Cloud services are often purchased from partners such as Google Cloud or Amazon Web Services.

The rollout of Apple Intelligence is planned in stages. This year, initially only the US market will be fully covered, although the features will be missing there too. Actual internationalization, including other languages, is not expected before 2025, when Siri will also have significantly more functions. The delayed deployment allows Apple to upgrade its data centers.

(B.Sc.)