[News] Apple Reportedly Plans Smart Glasses Chip by Late 2026, First AI Server Chip by 2027

Apple is reportedly making progress on a custom chip for its smart glasses, with mass production expected by the end of next year or in 2027, according to Bloomberg. If development stays on track, the glasses could launch in the next two years. As with Apple’s other key chips, manufacturing will be handled by its longtime partner TSMC, the report adds. The effort is part of a broader push to develop new chips for upcoming products, including high-performance Macs and AI servers.

Apple Might Unveil Non-AR Glasses, Challenging Meta

The report notes that Apple has spent years developing lightweight smart glasses designed for all-day wear. While the original concept centered on augmented reality—overlaying media onto the real world—AR remains years from practical use. As a result, though it continues to pursue the AR concept, Apple is now exploring non-AR glasses that use cameras to scan the environment and leverage AI to assist users.

As the report notes, CEO Tim Cook is determined for Apple to outpace Meta in the smart glasses market. Meta has seen success with non-AR smart glasses and is set to launch a premium model with a built-in display later this year and plans to debut its first true AR glasses in 2027, the report adds.

Apple Reportedly Developing Its First AI Server Chip

Apple is reportedly developing its first processor specifically designed for AI servers, the report notes. According to Commercial Times, citing The Information, Apple is working with Broadcom on this new chip to reduce its reliance on NVIDIA. The processor is expected to use TSMC’s advanced N3P process, as indicated by Commercial Times.

The project, known as Baltra, is slated for completion by 2027, Bloomberg notes. The chips are intended to strengthen Apple’s AI capabilities, potentially helping it catch up in a field where it has previously lagged.

New Mac and Mobile Chips Also in the Pipeline

In addition to chips for smaller devices, Apple is also developing new processors for its Mac lineup, according to Bloomberg. The report mentions that the company plans to introduce the M5 chip in the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro as early as the end of this year.

Apple introduced its first C1 modem chip in the iPhone 16e earlier this year. It plans to follow with a pro-level C2 modem for next year’s flagship iPhones and a higher-end C3 version the year after, as indicated by Bloomberg.

Read more

• [News] Apple Reportedly Teams Up with Broadcom to Develop AI Chip Using TSMC’s N3P Process
• [News] Apple’s In-House Chip Plan Progresses Smoothly, Hint at a Start to Replace Qualcomm

(Photo credit: Apple)