Apple might make servers again to cash in on the AI rush
Apple reportedly plans AI servers pairing M8 Ultra chips with Nvidia NVLink Fusion, targeting a 2029 debut.
According to The Information, Apple is considering re-entering the server market it left in 2011 with the Xserve retirement, betting on its ARM-based M processors amid surging AI compute demand. The servers may run two or four M8 Ultra chips and could incorporate Nvidia's NVLink Fusion interconnect, and Apple recently turned to Nvidia chips for its revamped Siri servers. A product would likely debut around 2029, and plans could still change; Mac Mini and Mac Studio popularity with AI developers has already caused shortages.
- Apple retired Xserve in 2011; AI compute demand reportedly prompted the server reboot
- Servers may run two or four M8 Ultra chips and use Nvidia NVLink Fusion
- Mac Mini and Mac Studio shortages among AI developers signaled the market opening
- Plans are rumored, unconfirmed, and could still change
Full article310 words · extracted from theverge.com · click to collapse
The company could borrow tech from Nvidia to make it happen.
The company could borrow tech from Nvidia to make it happen.
by Terrence O'Brien
Sep 16, 2026, 5:20 PM UTC
Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge
Terrence O'Brien
is the Verge’s weekend editor. He’s covered the tech industry for over 18 years and knows a thing or two about synths.
According to The Information, Apple is planning to get back into the server game and might just pair up with NVIDIA to make it happen. Apple retired its Xserve line in 2011 and has largely left enterprise machines to other manufacturers since. But the growing demand for compute power as the AI industry continues to expand has apparently led the company to believe there is an opening for its powerful but efficient ARM-based M processors. Its Mac Mini and Mac Studio have proven popular with AI developers, which has led to shortages.
The server product, whether it’s called Xserve or something else, likely won’t debut until 2029. Word is that it will run on two or four (depending on the model) M8 Ultra chips. Apple only just announced the M6 in August, so the M8 line is a ways out.
It’s also rumored that Apple’s servers could incorporate Nvidia’s NVLink Fusion tech, which connects multiple chips together so they can operate as one. While the two companies have historically had a frosty relationship behind the scenes, recently Apple turned to Nvidia chips to power its revamped Siri servers. Incorporating NVLink could lead to further collaboration between the two, but plans could still change.
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- Terrence O'Brien
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