Apple Is Developing Smart Glasses with a Custom Chip, Could Launch by 2027: Report

Highlights

• Apple is developing smart glasses with a custom power-efficient chip.
• It is expected to support AI-powered features and cameras with a possible launch by 2027.
• The glasses codenamed “N401” might first arrive as non-AR models with hands-free functionality.
• Apple is working on chips for AI-powered AirPods, Apple Watch and Macs alongside cloud-based processors.

Caption – Apple is reportedly working on custom chip for its Smart Glasses. (Image credit – Shutterstock)

Apple seems to be getting closer to launching its first smart glasses. And while many expect AI to be the biggest tech advancement coming to Apple Smart Glasses, it appears a big part of that effort is a new custom chip in the works.

According to a recent Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman, Apple’s silicon team is currently designing a power-efficient processor specifically for wearable glasses, suggesting the long-rumoured product could be inching closer to reality.

This chip is said to be based on the low-power technology used in the Apple Watch, but even more efficient and compact. It’s also being built to support multiple onboard cameras, which could help scan surroundings and enable AI-powered features. While Apple hasn’t officially announced anything yet, the goal is reportedly to begin mass production as early as late 2026 or in 2027.

With this move, Apple appears to be exploring how it can bring artificial intelligence and powerful computing into lighter, more personal devices. Internally, the company has increased testing of various smart glasses concepts. One idea on the table is non-AR glasses, similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban models. These wouldn’t have full augmented reality visuals but could offer hands-free features like voice control, audio playback and camera access.

These glasses are currently being developed under the codename “N401”, which has replaced an earlier internal name, “N50.” Apple’s strategy seems to echo what Meta is doing, which means getting a head start with simpler smart glasses before AR tech is ready for the mainstream.

Meta, on the other hand, is also working on glasses with a built-in display for release later this year and plans to launch true AR glasses by 2027.

But Apple’s vision for wearables goes beyond just glasses. The company is also working on adding AI-powered features to future versions of AirPods and the Apple Watch. Two other custom chips are in the pipeline, which are “Nevis” for a camera-equipped Apple Watch and “Glennie” for smart AirPods. These products could launch around the same time as the smart glasses, hinting at a broader AI-based ecosystem.

Apple is also continuing to invest in more powerful chips for its Mac lineup. The next-generation processors, expected to be called M6 and M7, are currently in development, along with a high-end chip internally named “Sotra.”

The M5 chip is expected to show up later this year in the updated iPad Pro and MacBook Pro models.

Meanwhile, Apple is also preparing for AI in the cloud. It’s working on server-grade chips under the project name “Baltra” to handle complex AI tasks. These processors will have much higher core counts and will help power the upcoming Apple Intelligence platform by processing AI tasks remotely and sending the results back to users’ devices.

FAQs

Q1. When will Apple’s smart glasses be released?

Answer. Apple is reportedly planning to begin mass production by late 2026 or in 2027, with ongoing development focused on a custom power-efficient chip for wearable AI.

Q2. What features might Apple’s smart glasses include?

Answer. The glasses could feature multiple onboard cameras to scan surroundings, along with voice control, audio playback, and camera access, similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban models.

Q3. How is Apple expanding its AI-powered device ecosystem?

Answer. Apple is working on AI-enhanced AirPods and Apple Watch, developing next-gen Mac chips, and building server-grade processors for cloud-based Apple Intelligence tasks.

Also Read: Apple Reportedly Working on Bigger iPhone Air for 2027, Says Kuo

Also Read: Apple’s Smart Glasses Are On The Way, But Don’t Expect Them Too Soon: Gurman