In a steady stride towards technological advancement, Apple has consistently pioneered the use of on-device AI processing through its Neural Engine in iPhones, iPads, and Macs. While critics have accused Apple of lagging behind in the AI race, the Cupertino-based company has focused on delivering the best implementation rather than rushing to be the first.

Recognizing the success of Apple's approach, market intelligence company Canalys has predicted that Windows PC brands will follow suit this year by incorporating their own equivalent of Neural Engine chips into high-end laptops. Canalys expects approximately 20% of PCs launched in 2021 to feature their own dedicated AI chips.

Apple's long-standing commitment to integrating AI into its device ecosystem isn't widely recognized due to the company's subtle approach. Rather than relying on flashy advertisements, Apple has prioritized privacy and performance by performing AI processing on the device itself. The utilization of the Neural Engine chips has not only improved device performance but has also safeguarded user privacy.

According to Ishan Dutt, Principal Analyst at Canalys, "To capitalize on the demand uptick, the PC industry will now deliver meaningful innovation through on-device AI capabilities in PCs, with 2024 set to be a bumper year for such devices." Dutt predicts a surge in AI-capable PCs in the commercial sector, where the benefits of on-device AI in terms of productivity, security, and cost management will be highly valued by businesses.

Canalys foresees that by 2027, over 170 million AI-capable PCs will be shipped globally, with nearly 60% of them finding deployment in commercial settings.

This transition towards on-device AI in PCs marks a significant shift in the industry. Recent announcements from both original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and chipset vendors at CES have set the stage for the introduction of more AI-capable PCs later in the year.

As the demand for AI capabilities rises, the integration of dedicated AI chips or blocks, such as NPUs (Neural Processing Units), will become a key consideration for businesses seeking enhanced productivity, security, and cost management.

The evolution of on-device AI in PCs aligns Windows PC brands with Apple's strategic approach to AI integration. Apple's pioneering efforts have laid the foundation for a new era of AI-capable PCs, creating opportunities for innovative advancements that will reshape the way users interact with their devices.

As the industry moves forward, it is clear that the convergence of AI and computing will continue to shape the future of technology, offering users enhanced experiences and raising the bar for what can be achieved on a personal computing device.

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