Apple Explores AI Integration for Chip Design, Says Executive
Innovative Approach in Chip Development
San Francisco, June 18, 2025 – Apple Inc. now tests generative AI for chip design. Johny Srouji, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Hardware Technologies, spoke in Belgium last month at an award event. He accepted the prize from Imec, an independent research group that works closely with top chip makers around the world.
In his speech, Srouji traced Apple’s chip work from the A4 chip in the first iPhone (2010) to the new chips built for today’s Mac and Vision Pro headset. He underlined how new design tools, like advanced electronic design automation software, help manage the many steps in chip design.
Role of EDA Firms in Chip Design
Srouji pointed out that top EDA companies such as Cadence Design Systems and Synopsys aid Apple in chip design. He said these firms now build AI tools to work with their software, which can speed up design tasks. "Generative AI can fit more work into less time. It can give a big boost to our work," he said.
This marks a new way for the tech giant to simplify its design flow, cut planning times, and speed up the arrival of new products.
Lessons from Transitioning to Apple Silicon
Srouji recalled key lessons from Apple’s move to its own chips. A major moment came in 2020 when Apple shifted its Mac computers from Intel chips to Apple Silicon. He admitted that this change was a big risk. "Shifting the Mac to Apple Silicon was a big bet. We had no backup plan and no split strategy, so we put everything into it, including a large software work," he explained.
This firm step shows Apple’s faith in new ideas and its focus on building in-house technology that delivers a clear user benefit.
Conclusion
Apple’s new use of AI in chip design might change how it builds its hardware. The company aims to quicken the design process and keep its edge in a fast-growing tech arena. As Apple moves ahead, many will watch to see how these changes shape the company’s future products.
This article builds on remarks by Apple’s technology leader and shows the company’s new path in chip design along with its plan to use AI in its work.
