Apple reportedly developing custom chips for smart glasses

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Apple is quietly making progress on a new computer chip designed specifically for smart glasses, and things seem to be moving faster now. 

According to Mark Gurman from Bloomberg, Apple’s team is developing a low-power processor that could eventually power their first smart glasses. 

If all goes smoothly, Apple might start making the chip by late 2026 or 2027.

This chip is different from the ones found in iPhones, iPads, or MacBooks. Instead, it’s based on the energy-saving chips used in the Apple Watch. 

Apple is modifying the chip even further by removing any features that aren’t necessary for glasses. The idea is to make it super-efficient so it can run all day, stay cool, and still handle tasks like powering cameras on the glasses.

For years, Apple has dreamed of making high-tech glasses that display virtual images (augmented reality or AR), but that’s still a bit too advanced for everyday use. 

So now, they’re aiming for something more practical: smart glasses that can do simple tasks like taking photos, playing music, answering phone calls, and responding to voice commands using AI. These would be similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses.

Apple’s smart glasses project is currently called N401. The company has already tested how people might use them, and they’re still figuring out how features like AI and cameras should work together in a way that feels natural.

Other tech companies are also racing to make smart glasses. Meta is working on a more advanced version with a screen, aiming for a 2027 release. 

Amazon and Xiaomi have also tried their own versions, but neither has become very popular yet.

At the same time, Apple is also developing new chips for Macs, iPads, and AI servers. But this new glasses chip shows that Apple is serious about wearable tech. 

If everything works out, these smart glasses could help people get helpful information just by looking around, though it remains to be seen if people will want to wear them every day.

What do you think about Apple’s smart glasses so far? Would you buy a pair? Tell us below in the comments, or via our Twitter or Facebook.