Apple recruits RISC-V architecture developers

Apple is currently shifting from Intel x86 processors to self-developed chips, using a design based on the Arm architecture. Apple’s first self-developed chip, M1, is an epoch-making product for both Apple and the Arm ecosystem. Arm’s first 64-bit architecture Armv8 launched in 2011. Apple played an important role and quickly introduced a series of chips based on this architecture, from the iPhone and iPad series products, and finally expanded to the desktop platform iMac, occupying the first opportunity in the market competition, so it was a big success.

Apple and Arm complement each other and gradually challenge x86. However, Apple may not put all its eggs in one basket. In addition to the Arm architecture, it is also exploring other possibilities. According to TomsHardware reports, Apple recently announced new recruitment to recruit RISC-V architecture programmers. If you successfully join the company, you will join Apple’s “Vector and Numerics Group” department, which is mainly responsible for the design and related improvements of various embedded subsystems running on iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.

Apple did not disclose which aspect of the RISC-V architecture needs to be done after entry, but according to the description of the recruitment, applicants also need to understand machine learning, computational vision, and natural language processing technology, and at the same time have an in-depth understanding of Arm’s extended architecture Neon. It can be seen from Apple’s job description that Apple already has RISC-V architecture equipment in operation.

Nowadays, Apple uses many Arm architecture processors and needs to pay a large licensing fee. With the further development of Apple’s self-developed chips, the number will continue to increase in the future, and the cost will also rise. Apple may design some RISC-V architecture chips for use in SSD master control and other places, just like Seagate and Western Digital have done in storage solutions. Doing so can save a lot of money every year.