Apple unveils new AI-focused chip in upgraded iPad Pro

People use an Apple laptop computer and an Apple iPad in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., August 25, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo

(Reuters) -Apple unveiled its latest iPad Pro on Tuesday with a new chip for artificial intelligence computing as it rushes to catch up with its Big Tech rivals in a race to dominate the emerging technology. Debuting its latest chip in a tablet rather than its Mac laptops is unusual for Apple, and suggests it is eager to give app makers a head start creating AI-related software ahead of its annual software developer conference next month, analysts said.

The announcements did little to move Apple's stock, which was last up about 0.5% after gaining as much as 1.8% earlier in the day.