Apple is ramping up its efforts in the artificial intelligence (AI) space as it aims to catch up with its Silicon Valley rivals. The tech giant’s latest research focuses on running large language models on smartphones, indicating its commitment to AI advancements.
In a research paper titled “LLM in a Flash,” Apple offers a solution to a computational bottleneck, enabling effective inference of large language models on devices with limited memory. This breakthrough follows the company’s earlier efforts to enable image-generating models to run on its custom chips.
The move comes as device manufacturers and chipmakers hope that incorporating AI features into smartphones will help revive the declining mobile market. Apple has been seen as lagging behind its Big Tech competitors in the AI space, despite hiring Google’s former top AI executive in 2018.
While Microsoft and Google primarily focus on delivering AI services from their cloud computing platforms, Apple’s research suggests its focus on AI that can run directly on iPhones. This aligns with Qualcomm’s CEO’s prediction that AI-focused smartphones will create a new user experience and reverse declining mobile sales.
Google, on the other hand, has recently unveiled its Gemini LLM, which will run natively on Pixel smartphones. Running large AI models on personal devices presents technical challenges, but it could lead to faster and offline AI assistants, which would greatly benefit users.
Optimizing large language models for battery-powered devices has been a growing focus for AI researchers. Apple’s research provides a rare glimpse into its secretive research labs and its technical breakthroughs. The researchers believe that their work sets a precedent for future research, as large language models continue to grow in size and complexity.
Apple’s latest efforts in the AI space demonstrate its determination to compete with its Silicon Valley rivals. By focusing on running large language models on smartphones, the company is positioning itself to deliver AI directly to its users, setting the stage for exciting advancements in the field.
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