Apple Executives Johny Srouji And John Ternus Talk About Chips, AI And Innovation

CNBC

CNBC

34 min, 4 sec

Apple executives Johny Srouji and John Ternus talk about their roles in silicon and hardware engineering at Apple, detailing the company's approach to chip design, product integration, and the importance of building their own silicon.

Summary

  • Johny Srouji and John Ternus discuss their history and roles at Apple, emphasizing the integration of silicon and hardware.
  • They explain Apple's unique position of designing chips specifically for its products, which allows for highly optimized and integrated systems.
  • The discussion covers Apple's advancements in silicon design, including the transition to Apple Silicon for Macs and the launch of the M3 chips.
  • The executives address questions on AI, modems, and the sustainability of Apple's investment in chip design.
  • The conversation also touches on the challenges and risks associated with being first to market with advanced chip nodes like the three nanometer.

Chapter 1

Introductions and Apple's Approach to Silicon

0:13 - 2 min, 6 sec

Johny Srouji and John Ternus introduce themselves and discuss their roles in developing Apple's silicon and hardware.

Johny Srouji and John Ternus introduce themselves and discuss their roles in developing Apple's silicon and hardware.

  • Johny Srouji joined Apple in 2008 to build iPhone silicon, growing the team from 40-50 engineers to a much larger group focused on creating the best chips for Apple products.
  • John Ternus has been with Apple since 2001, with experience in product design and a mechanical engineering background.
  • The integration of hardware and silicon within Apple allows for a cohesive design process, leading to optimized products.

Chapter 2

Apple Silicon's Role in Product Innovation

2:20 - 1 min, 52 sec

Apple executives explain how custom silicon enables product innovation and customer experience.

Apple executives explain how custom silicon enables product innovation and customer experience.

  • Apple's decision to develop its own chips was driven by the desire to create products without constraints imposed by third-party technologies.
  • The team believes that customers are aware and appreciative of the benefits that custom Apple silicon provides in their devices.
  • Apple's focus on chip efficiency and performance allows for features like long battery life without compromising on speed or capabilities.

Chapter 3

Building Silicon Expertise and Diversifying Supply

4:11 - 3 min, 45 sec

Apple's commitment to building silicon expertise and maintaining a diversified supply chain is discussed.

Apple's commitment to building silicon expertise and maintaining a diversified supply chain is discussed.

  • Apple's efforts in silicon began in 2008 with the aim of controlling the design and manufacturing process for its products.
  • The company supports advanced manufacturing in the U.S. and encourages partners to increase manufacturing capabilities domestically.
  • Despite the chip shortage, Apple has managed to navigate the challenges due to its close partnerships with foundries.

Chapter 4

Early Days of Apple Silicon and the A4 Chip

7:56 - 4 min, 46 sec

Johny Srouji shares the journey from the small team's beginnings to the proud launch of the A4 chip.

Johny Srouji shares the journey from the small team's beginnings to the proud launch of the A4 chip.

  • The A4 chip, Apple's first custom silicon, represented a significant achievement for the small team of engineers.
  • Strategic acquisitions and a focus on scalability and efficiency were key to the rapid growth and success of Apple's silicon division.
  • The launch of the A4 chip was a moment of pride and a stepping stone towards future products.

Chapter 5

Apple's Integrated Approach to Chip and Product Design

12:42 - 2 min, 1 sec

The integration of chip design with product development at Apple fosters innovation and product excellence.

The integration of chip design with product development at Apple fosters innovation and product excellence.

  • Apple's integrated approach allows for custom silicon designed specifically for each product, optimizing performance and efficiency.
  • The team describes how constraints such as battery size in the iPhone have led to engineering innovations that benefit larger products like the Mac.
  • Apple's strategy of owning key technologies while licensing others has allowed for a focused and efficient design process.

Chapter 6

Apple's Vision for Products and the Future of AI

14:43 - 15 min, 5 sec

Apple executives discuss their vision for products, addressing AI advancements and future capabilities.

Apple executives discuss their vision for products, addressing AI advancements and future capabilities.

  • Apple focuses on building the best products rather than competing in the chip market, allowing for differentiated and innovative technologies.
  • The company already has a robust platform for AI and machine learning, with technologies like the Apple Neural Engine and optimized GPUs.
  • Apple's approach to AI prioritizes on-device processing, ensuring privacy and performance.

Chapter 7

Advancements in Apple Silicon and Performance Leaps

29:48 - 3 min, 59 sec

The discussion highlights the significant performance leaps made possible by advancements in Apple Silicon.

The discussion highlights the significant performance leaps made possible by advancements in Apple Silicon.

  • Apple's transition to Apple Silicon for Macs has enabled unprecedented performance and battery life in products like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
  • The M3 chip's move to three nanometer technology has allowed for even greater performance and efficiency, enabling advanced applications like AAA gaming on Macs.
  • The risks associated with adopting advanced chip nodes are managed by Apple's careful design and validation process.

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