Apple's failed self-driving car program led to powerful AI chips

Apple's multi-year initiative to develop a self-driving car, internally referred to as Project Titan, ultimately did not result in a production vehicle. Despite the car project's cancellation, the development efforts yielded a significant technological advancement: the creation of the Neural Engine.

Early in the project, Apple identified a need for substantial on-device AI processing power for autonomous driving. The project was later shelved, with the company shifting its focus to developing a dedicated AI processing chip architecture. This strategic pivot formed the basis of Apple's current Neural Engine, a component that significantly boosts AI capabilities across its device ecosystem.

The Neural Engine first appeared in 2017 with the A11 Bionic chip, powering the iPhone X. Initially, its primary functions were centered around computer vision tasks, including the Face ID facial recognition system and Animoji features.

Over time, the Neural Engine's capacity has been expanded considerably. It now supports a wide range of AI-driven applications and features, such as photo enhancements, voice recognition, and improved system security. Although the self-driving car did not materialize, the demands of its development accelerated Apple's internal progress and led to substantial improvements in its AI processing technology.