CUPERTINO: Apple is reportedly developing an enterprise server powered by its own chips and has discussed using Nvidia networking technology to connect them, according to The Information.
The company could sell the system to AI developers, businesses and governments. If launched, the project would mark Apple’s return to the commercial server market after more than a decade.
Server Could Feature Four M8 Ultra Chips
Apple is reportedly considering two versions of the server.
The smaller model could use two upcoming M8 Ultra chips. A larger configuration may combine four M8 Ultra chips.
Apple has also discussed connecting the processors through Nvidia’s NVLink Fusion, a high-speed interconnect technology.
Nvidia licenses the technology to several companies, including Qualcomm, Arm, Fujitsu and Marvell.
However, the project remains in development. The server is not expected to reach the market before 2029.
Apple could still cancel the project or launch the system without Nvidia’s networking technology.
Apple Left Server Market in 2011
Apple already operates servers for its own services.
Its Private Cloud Compute infrastructure initially relied on Apple silicon. In June, the company also expanded parts of its AI infrastructure through Google Cloud using Nvidia GPUs and Intel processors.
However, Apple has not sold a dedicated server product since 2011.
The company discontinued its Xserve line that year after almost nine years on the market.
The reported M8 Ultra system would therefore represent Apple’s return to selling server hardware directly to outside customers.
Governments Could Be a Potential Market
Governments could become an important customer group as countries seek greater control over their technology infrastructure.
The European Commission proposed its Cloud and AI Development Act in June. The proposal includes four sovereignty assurance levels for cloud services used by public-sector organisations.
The requirements would become stricter for more sensitive workloads. At the highest level, providers would need greater control and transparency over software supply chains and protection against interference from third countries.
The European Commission has already awarded a six-year sovereign cloud framework worth up to €180 million to four European providers.
The winning groups were assessed on factors including legal exposure, supply-chain transparency, technological openness, security and operational control.
Server Hardware Would Fall Outside Proposed Cloud Rules
The proposed European legislation focuses on cloud services rather than server hardware.
As a result, an Apple server sold directly to a government would not itself be subject to the proposed cloud-service requirements.
Governments could still impose their own conditions when purchasing infrastructure.
This creates a distinction between sovereign technology and sovereign operation. A government-owned server operating inside its own facilities could face different requirements from a cloud service operated by an external provider.
Apple’s reported enterprise server could therefore appeal to organisations seeking greater control over AI infrastructure.
For now, however, the project remains unconfirmed, and no commercial launch is expected before 2029.
