While other tech giants are heavily investing in AI data centers, Apple has chosen to sit on the sidelines, avoiding the surge in capital expenditures. However, this situation seems to have changed, as Apple realizes it needs to join the AI data center race.On Tuesday, according to media reports citing Loop Capital analyst Ananda Baruah, Apple is placing an order for approximately $1 billion worth of NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 systems. At a cost of $3.7 million to $4 million per server, this amounts to about 250 servers.This development marks a significant shift in Apple's AI strategy, which could impact its future competitiveness in the AI field, while also providing significant business opportunities for its server suppliers.Baruah revealed that Apple is collaborating with server manufacturers Dell and Supermicro to build large server clusters that support generative AI applications.<blockquote>Apple is officially entering the large server cluster generative AI game... with SMCI and DELL as key server partners. While we are still gathering more comprehensive background information, this seems likely to become a generative AI large model (LLM) cluster.</blockquote>This strategic shift appears to be driven by the challenges faced in upgrading Siri AI, as Baruah stated:<blockquote>Apple's strategic shift is driven by the difficulties it has encountered in launching an AI-enhanced Siri digital assistant. Apple has indefinitely postponed the release of the new Siri. The company originally planned to roll out these AI features early this year after previewing them at last June's Worldwide Developers Conference.</blockquote>According to media reports, Apple has reportedly adjusted its executive team to address the company's challenges in releasing AI features. One executive described these delays and missteps as &#34;ugly&#34; and &#34;embarrassing,&#34; as the company has been promoting AI features in television advertisements.In pre-market trading on Tuesday, Apple shares were essentially flat, close to $220.82. Loop Capital has given Apple stock a &#34;hold&#34; rating, while assigning &#34;buy&#34; ratings to NVIDIA, Dell, and Supermicro

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This development marks a significant shift in Apple's AI strategy, seemingly driven by the challenges of upgrading Siri AI. Analyst Baruah also revealed that Apple is collaborating with server manufacturers Dell and Supermicro to jointly build large server clusters that support generative AI applications

- Apple has shifted its strategy regarding AI data centers, now planning to invest approximately $1 billion in NVIDIA's GB300 NVL72 systems, marking a significant change in its approach.  
- This investment, which involves around 250 servers, is expected to enhance Apple's competitiveness in the AI sector and create substantial business opportunities for its server suppliers, including Dell and Supermicro.  
- The strategic pivot appears to be driven by challenges in upgrading its Siri digital assistant, leading to delays in the release of new AI features that were previously announced.  

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