Sept 16 (Reuters) - Apple has discussed using Nvidia's NVLink Fusion networking technology in ​a planned AI inference server powered by its ‌own chips, marking a potential return to the server market, the Information reported on Wednesday.

The iPhone maker's shares, which ​traded lower earlier, reversed course and rose modestly ​in premarket trading.

Apple is developing an enterprise AI ⁠server for AI developers, businesses and governments that ​could come in versions featuring either two or four ​planned M8 Ultra chips, its highest-performance processors, the Information reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

The iPhone maker last sold dedicated ​server hardware under its Xserve line, which it ​discontinued in 2011 after shifting its enterprise focus to standard Mac ‌hardware ⁠and consumer devices.

Apple has considered using NVLink Fusion to connect M8 chips in its planned AI server, which is not expected before 2029 and could still ​be canceled or ​launched without ⁠Nvidia technology, according to The Information.

Apple and Nvidia did not immediately respond to ​Reuters requests for comment. Reuters could not ​independently verify ⁠the report.

Relations between the two tech giants have been strained for nearly two decades, following an alleged defect ⁠in ​Nvidia graphics chips that caused ​widespread MacBook failures and led Apple to sever ties.