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Apple is significantly expanding its custom silicon efforts, developing new chips not only for Macs and iPads, but also targeting emerging categories like smart glasses and AI servers. Sources indicate that Apple is designing a specialized, low-power chip for its anticipated smart glasses, drawing inspiration from Apple Watch components. This chip will reportedly support core functionalities like voice commands, photo capture, and audio playback, with production potentially starting in late 2026 or 2027.

Beyond smart glasses, Apple is also exploring integrating cameras into future AirPods and smartwatches, with possible releases planned around 2027. The tech giant continues its relentless pace of Mac processor development with the M6 and M7 chips on the horizon. Upgrades to the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro with the M5 chip are expected later this year.

This aggressive push for internal chip design and manufacturing reflects Apple’s overarching strategy to maintain complete control over its hardware and software ecosystem. The company recently debuted its first in-house modem chip in the iPhone 16e, with a more advanced version slated for 2026. CEO Tim Cook envisions Apple as a leader in the nascent smart glasses market, directly challenging Meta’s current offering with Ray-Ban. Apple’s vision for its glasses involves using cameras to analyze the surrounding environment and leveraging AI to provide users with contextual assistance, mirroring Meta’s approach to the device category.