# Apple's AI server plans mark return to enterprise hardware

> The company is building a server with M-series Ultra chips, targeting a 2029 release after nearly 20 years away from the market.
- Title: Apple's AI server plans mark return to enterprise hardware
- Summary: The company is building a server with M-series Ultra chips, targeting a 2029 release after nearly 20 years away from the market. Apple is developing…
- Keywords: apple, m-series ultra chips, m8 ultra, ai servers, john ternus, enterprise hardware, mac mini, mac studio, openai, anthropic, nvidia, xserve
- Source: Ars Technica — https://arstechnica.com/ai/2026/09/apple-reportedly-building-server-packed-with-m-series-ultra-chips-for-ai
- Published: 2026-09-16T22:02:46+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: apple, m-series ultra chips, m8 ultra, ai servers, john ternus, enterprise hardware, mac mini, mac studio, openai, anthropic, nvidia, xserve
## Apple building AI servers
Apple is developing an enterprise server using M-series Ultra chips, targeting a 2029 release. It would be Apple's first server in nearly two decades.
## Two configurations planned
The server would come with either two or four M8 Ultra chips. New CEO John Ternus supported the project when it started a year ago.
## Mac sales booming for AI
AI developers are buying Mac minis and Mac Studios in huge numbers to run AI workloads. This popularity encouraged Apple's server plans.
## OpenAI buying tens of thousands
AI companies like OpenAI have purchased tens of thousands of Mac minis and Studios for training AI agents. Anthropic has rented Mac minis from AWS.

> tens of thousands
## Nvidia partnership possible
Apple is considering using Nvidia's data center networking equipment to connect M8 chips. The two companies have been discussing how to leverage Nvidia's tech.
## Memory chip shortage looms
The project faces a major challenge: an ongoing shortage of memory chips from companies rushing to build AI data centers across the industry.
## Key takeaway

Apple is developing enterprise AI servers with M8 Ultra chips for 2029, capitalizing on surging demand from AI companies buying Mac hardware.