Apple continues its strong focus on developing hardware in-house, with significant efforts now directed towards creating a new generation of specialised chips. These processors are poised to power a range of future Apple devices, including smart glasses, AI-capable servers, and the next iterations of Macs, according to recent reports.
Chips for Future Glasses
A major project involves a custom chip designed specifically for upcoming smart glasses. These glasses are anticipated to support features like voice commands, photo capture, and audio playback, although the initial version may not offer full augmented reality (AR) capabilities. The chip design is reportedly based on the low-power components currently used in the latest Apple Watch models, modified for increased energy efficiency and to support multiple cameras.
While Apple maintains its characteristic secrecy, production for the glasses chip is rumoured to begin by late 2026 or early 2027. If this timeline holds, the devices could potentially arrive on the market within two years. As is typical for Apple’s chips, production is expected to be handled by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC).
Industry insiders suggest that Apple has been developing smart glasses for several years, with a long-term goal of building full AR wearables that overlay digital information onto the real world. However, the technology for full AR is not yet considered ready for mainstream use. In the meantime, Apple appears to be pursuing a product similar to Meta’s existing smart glasses (developed in partnership with Ray-Ban), focusing initially on non-AR features. Apple is reportedly developing both AR and non-AR glasses under the codename N401 (previously N50), with CEO Tim Cook reportedly keen for Apple to lead in this market segment. Meta is also advancing its offerings, planning a high-end Ray-Ban style model with a display and targeting 2027 for its first fully-AR glasses.
Apple’s non-AR glasses could potentially leverage cameras to scan environments and use AI to assist users, mirroring Meta’s current approach. Apple is thought to be strategically waiting for AI software to mature before launching a full product.
Powering Macs and Servers
Beyond wearables, Apple is also preparing a new set of processors specifically for its Mac lineup. These are expected to include the M6 (codenamed Komodo) and M7 (codenamed Borneo), alongside a higher-end chip known as “Sotra”. Furthermore, updates are anticipated for the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro later this year, which are expected to incorporate the M5 chip.
Enhancements for Wearables
Apple is also exploring ways to enhance its current product lines through new chip developments. Engineers are reportedly testing features such as cameras integrated into AirPods and Apple Watch. A camera-enabled Apple Watch is linked to the codename “Nevis”, while a similar feature for AirPods is known as “Glennie”. Both are reportedly planned for release by 2027, and will likely utilise Apple’s in-house chips currently under development.
Broader Strategy: Controlling the Hardware Stack
These extensive internal chip development efforts are part of Apple’s broader strategic push to control the entire hardware stack of its products. This strategy ensures tighter integration between hardware and software, potentially leading to better performance and efficiency. This push is led by the hardware group under Johny Srouji, which has been expanding its portfolio. Earlier this year, Apple launched its first in-house modem chip in the iPhone 16e, with a more advanced version, the C2, planned for release in 2026.
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