Apple's Next Big Move: Custom Chips for Smart Glasses and AI Innovations

Apple seems to be gearing up for an exciting leap forward with custom hardware. Reports indicate that the company is developing a new line of specialized chips intended for cutting-edge technologies, such as smart glasses and even artificial intelligence (AI) applications. According to Bloomberg, these chips are set to redefine the user experience across a variety of devices.

One of the most intriguing projects Apple is rumored to be working on involves a chip specifically crafted for smart glasses. Imagine a device that lets you use voice commands, snap photos, and enjoy audio playback—all without the need for heavy augmented reality (AR) capabilities! These glasses are expected to use lower-energy components similar to those found in the latest Apple Watches, although adapted to support multiple camera functionalities.

While Apple hasn’t officially commented on these projects (they're notoriously secretive about new developments), insiders say we could see production for this chip underway by late 2026 or early 2027. If everything unfolds as planned, you might just find yourself wearing a pair of sleek, feature-rich smart glasses in a couple of years. Much like Apple’s other chips, production for these eyeglasses will likely fall under the umbrella of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.

Interestingly, development of smart glasses isn’t new territory for Apple; it has allegedly been in the works for several years. However, while competitors like Meta have launched their smart glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban, Apple seems focused on a product without fully realized AR capabilities—at least in its initial version. There’s plenty of competition out there, and it raises the question: how long can Apple wait to enter this market?

Reports suggest that Apple is exploring both AR and non-AR glasses, which are currently under the codename N401. CEO Tim Cook has expressed a keen desire for Apple to take charge of this burgeoning market segment, while Meta continues to innovate in their offerings. Their plans reportedly include a high-end variant of their Ray-Ban style glasses with advanced display features by 2027. Will Apple’s cautious approach pay off in the long run? Only time will tell.

What’s particularly fascinating is that Apple’s proposed non-AR glasses may harness AI technologies to assist users in navigating their environment, reflecting a strategy similar to Meta's gadgets. As Apple waits, they seem committed to refining its AI software before committing entirely to a product launch.

Meanwhile, the brand isn’t putting all its eggs in one basket. Reports show that Apple engineers are also experimenting with cameras integrated into AirPods and smartwatches. Two projects named “Nevis” and “Glennie” aim to deliver camera-enabled functionalities for an Apple Watch and AirPods, respectively, with releases expected by 2027.

Additionally, Apple is said to be prepping a new set of processors for their Mac lineup, including developments like the M6 (Komodo) and M7 (Borneo) chips, alongside a “Sotra” chip for higher-end devices. The company is also looking to upgrade its iPad Pro and MacBook Pro models with their M5 chip before year’s end.

This push toward in-house chip development aligns with Apple's broader objective of maintaining control over its entire hardware ecosystem. With Johny Srouji at the helm, Apple’s hardware division continues to expand its capabilities. Just this year, they rolled out their first modem chip in the iPhone 16e, with plans for a more powerful version coming in 2026.

As the tech landscape evolves, Apple’s anticipated innovations and ventures are sure to attract significant attention. With each new product that rolls out, the anticipation builds—what will they come up with next? Only time will reveal how these advancements will reshape their user experience and influence the competitive market.