According to Bloomberg, Apple focuses on in-house produced hardware, and is currently working on a new generation of chips for future hardware.
Processors are thought to be destined to be used on smart glasses, AI-enabled servers, and next-generation Macs.
One project includes a custom chip designed for smart glasses that are thought to provide voice commands, photo capture and audio playback, but not a full augmented reality (AR) device. The chip design is based on the low-power components currently used in the latest models of the Apple Watch, but has been modified to use energy and support multiple cameras.
What Apple has not commented on any of the rumoured projects is a company with a strict policy of retaining products developed or not developed under wraps. However, production of eyeglass chips is said to begin by late 2026 or early 2027. If that timeline applies, the device could reach the market in two years. Like most Apple chips, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is expected to handle production.
Industry officials claim that smart glasses have been developed at Apple for several years. The company aims to build a complete AR wearable that overlays digital information into a real-world view, but the technology is not yet ready for daily use. In this sector, Meta has already broken several positions and has partnered with Ray-Ban to launch smart glasses. Apple appears to be pursuing similar products, except for AR features, at least for the first iteration of any device.
Sources say Apple previously developed both AR and non-AR glasses under the N50 codename N401. Reports say Apple CEO Tim Cook hopes the company will lead in this market segment. Meanwhile, Meta is expanding its own product line and plans to debut a high-end model of Ray-Ban style devices later this year, using displays. The company is said to be targeting 2027 for its first complete eyeglass gadget.
Apple’s non-AR glasses can use cameras to scan the environment, apply AI to assist users, and mirror Meta’s current strategy. It is said that Apple will earn that time and wait for the AI software to mature before committing to a full product release.
In the meantime, Apple has been looking for other ways to improve its current product line, with engineers reportedly testing features such as AirPods and SmartWatches cameras. The codename “Nevis” is planned for a camera-enabled Apple Watch, while “Glennie” is intended for AirPods. Both are expected to be released by 2027.
Apple is said to be preparing a new set of processors exclusively for Mac. M6 (Komodo) and M7 (Borneo) and the high-end chip “Sotra”. Apple is also believed to be planning to upgrade its iPad Pro and MacBook Pro with the M5 chip later this year.
The internal and app chip development efforts are part of Apple’s broader push to control the complete hardware stack of products. The hardware group led by Johny Srouji is expanding its portfolio. Earlier this year, Apple launched its first in-house modem chip on the iPhone 16E using the high-end version, C2, which is due to be released in 2026.
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