Introduction to Apple’s New Chip Developments
Apple is continuing its focus on producing hardware in-house, with current projects involving the development of new chips for future devices. According to Bloomberg, these chips are intended for use in various products, including smart glasses, AI servers, and the next generations of Macs.
Smart Glasses and Their Capabilities
One of the projects involves a custom chip designed specifically for smart glasses. These glasses are expected to offer features such as voice commands, photo capture, and audio playback, but they will not be full augmented reality (AR) devices. The chip design is based on the low-power components currently used in the latest Apple Watch models, modified to use less energy and support multiple cameras.
Production Timeline and Partnerships
Production for the glasses chip is said to begin by late 2026 or early 2027, with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. expected to handle production. If the timeline holds true, devices could reach the market in about two years. Apple has been developing smart glasses for several years, aiming to build full AR wearables that overlay digital information onto real-world views, but the technology is not yet ready for everyday use.
Competition in the Smart Glasses Market
Meta has already launched smart glasses in partnership with Ray-Ban, and Apple seems to be pursuing a similar product, minus the AR features, at least in the first iteration. Sources say Apple is developing both AR and non-AR glasses under the codename N401, previously N50. Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, hopes for the company to take a lead in this market segment.
Other Apple Projects and Developments
Apple is exploring other avenues to improve its current product lines, with engineers testing features like cameras in AirPods and smartwatches, which will likely use Apple chips currently in development. Codenames for these projects include "Nevis" for a camera-enabled Apple Watch and "Glennie" for AirPods, both planned for release by 2027. Additionally, Apple is preparing new processors for Macs, including the M6 (Komodo), M7 (Borneo), and a higher-end chip called "Sotra".
Apple’s Push for Hardware Control
Internal chip development efforts are part of Apple’s broader push to control the full hardware stack of its products. The hardware group, led by Johny Srouji, has been expanding its portfolio, including the launch of Apple’s first in-house modem chip in the iPhone 16e, with a higher-end version planned for release in 2026.
Conclusion
Apple’s focus on in-house hardware production is leading to the development of new chips for various devices, including smart glasses, AI servers, and Macs. With production timelines and partnerships in place, Apple is poised to make significant strides in the tech industry, particularly in the smart glasses market. As the company continues to push for control over its hardware, we can expect to see more innovative products and features from Apple in the future.
FAQs
- Q: What is Apple developing in terms of new chips?
A: Apple is developing new chips for smart glasses, AI servers, and the next generations of Macs. - Q: When is the production for the glasses chip expected to begin?
A: Production for the glasses chip is expected to begin by late 2026 or early 2027. - Q: What features will the smart glasses offer?
A: The smart glasses are expected to offer voice commands, photo capture, and audio playback, but will not be full augmented reality (AR) devices. - Q: Who is Apple’s partner for chip production?
A: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. is expected to handle production. - Q: What other projects is Apple working on?
A: Apple is working on camera-enabled AirPods and smartwatches, new processors for Macs, and expanding its hardware portfolio with in-house modem chips.
