Apple is working on a custom chip for its upcoming smart glasses, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The chip is reportedly based on the one used in the Apple Watch but modified to be more energy-efficient and capable of controlling multiple cameras.
Apple’s internal silicon team has removed certain components from the Apple Watch chip to improve battery performance. The modified chip is designed to manage functions that smart glasses would require, such as environmental scanning and camera support.
Although Apple has shelved plans for Mac-connected AR glasses, the company still plans to release standalone smart glasses. However, these won’t offer full augmented reality and are expected to be more similar to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which feature voice commands, cameras for photo and video capture, and built-in speakers.
Apple is taking a cautious approach with the project. Mass production of the chips is not expected until 2027, which suggests the glasses are still at least two years away. That timeline gives Meta a potential lead, as it also aims to launch its first true AR glasses in 2027.
The upcoming Apple glasses are expected to use AI and onboard cameras to assist users by analyzing their surroundings. However, the company is still finalizing the product’s design and capabilities.
In addition to the smart glasses chip, Apple is also working on new silicon for more advanced Macs and AI servers, indicating a broader push into custom hardware development.
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