Apple is working on a chip to power artificial intelligence in future gadgets, including the iPhone

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(REUTERS/Aly Song)

Apple is working on chips to power artificial-intelligence capabilities in its gadgets, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported Friday.

The chips would handle more advanced AI tasks, such as facial recognition, and help better manage battery life and power, the report says. The chips could also be used in future products, like self-driving cars or digital glasses, in addition to iPhones and iPads.

The news comes as Apple's competitors like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft have made significant advancements in AI. At its developers conference last week, Google showed how it was adding AI to a variety of products, including phones, connected speakers, and cars. Apple is seen largely as behind the competition when it comes to AI, which could power the next wave of connected gadgets.

Last year, Apple made some improvements to its Siri AI assistant, giving access to third-party developers in limited categories like messaging and payments. Apple's developers conference starts June 5, and many will be paying attention to more advancements in Apple's AI.

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