Apple is maintaining its commitment to in-house hardware development and is reportedly working on a new generation of chips intended for upcoming products. According to Bloomberg, these processors are expected to be used in smart glasses, AI-capable servers, and the next versions of Macs. One noteworthy project involves a specialized chip created for smart glasses. These glasses are anticipated to support voice commands, capture images, and provide audio playback, although they will not function as full augmented reality (AR) devices.
The chip design draws from low-power components utilized in the latest Apple Watch models but has been adapted for lower energy consumption and the capability to support multiple cameras. Production for the smart glasses chip is projected to start between late 2026 and early 2027, with potential market release two years later. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is expected to oversee production. Reports indicate that Apple’s smart glasses, under the codename N401 (previously N50), have been in development for several years.
The company envisions creating full AR wearables that overlay digital information onto real-life environments, although that technology is not yet suitable for everyday users. Companies like Meta have already launched similar products, collaborating with Ray-Ban for their smart glasses, while Apple is allegedly pursuing a related device without the AR capabilities in its initial version. In addition to the non-AR glasses, Apple is focusing on enhancing its existing product range. Engineers are testing features like cameras for AirPods and smartwatches, expected to utilize the new chips in development.
These projects, codenamed “Nevis” for the Apple Watch and “Glennie” for AirPods, are anticipated to be available by 2027. Furthermore, Apple is preparing new processors for Macs, including the M6 and M7 models, as well as a higher-end chip named “Sotra.” An upgrade for the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro with the M5 chip is also planned for later this year. This internal chip development aligns with Apple’s broader strategy to control the entire hardware stack of its products, led by Johny Srouji’s hardware team.