Apple unveiled its Neural Engine in 2017, claiming that it would revolutionize the way that their devices functioned. Many people, however, are still unsure about what it is and how it actually works. In this article, we’ll dive into what Apple’s Neural Engine is and how it works.

What is Apple’s Neural Engine?

The Neural Engine is Apple’s term for an artificial intelligence (AI) processor. The processor is essentially a specialized chip inside the device that is designed to carry out machine learning tasks at high speeds. The Neural Engine is specifically designed to handle tasks that are too large or complex for a device’s Central Processing Unit (CPU) or Graphics Processing Unit (GPU). Having a dedicated chip solely for these tasks significantly improves the performance of the device.

How does it work?

The Neural Engine works by tackling a subset of machine learning tasks called deep learning. Deep learning refers to a technique for training machine learning models. The models learn by being fed a vast number of examples from which to learn from. This process is known as training. Once trained, the model can then take new data and accurately make decisions based on it.

When a device runs a machine learning model, the model’s calculations are distributed across many different processors, including the CPU and GPU. The Neural Engine helps to offload a significant part of this workload from the CPU or GPU, allowing them to focus on other tasks.

The Neural Engine works by performing highly specific types of calculations. These calculations include matrix multiplications, convolutions, and other operations that are commonly used in machine learning. These calculations are performed extremely efficiently on the Neural Engine, thanks to its specialized architecture, allowing for lightning-fast performance.

Applications of the Neural Engine

Apple uses the Neural Engine in a wide range of devices, including the iPhone, iPad, MacBook Pro, and Apple Watch. The Neural Engine’s capabilities enable sophisticated features such as Face ID, Animoji, and augmented reality experiences. Additionally, the Neural Engine allows Apple to improve its products’ performance over time, as machine learning models can be updated through software updates.