Apple is reportedly developing custom chips with future products like smart glasses in mind.
On the 8th, Bloomberg News reported through multiple anonymous sources that Apple’s chip design team is accelerating the development of chips for its first smart glasses product.
The processor is based on the Apple Watch chip, which requires less power than that for iPhones. To control multiple cameras that will be used in the smart glasses, Apple reportedly plans to remove some components to improve power efficiency.
Apple is said to be aiming to mass produce the processor by the end of next year or by 2027. Bloomberg interpreted that if development proceeds as planned, Apple’s first smart glasses product could be launched about two years later.
Apple’s first smart glasses are expected to use cameras to recognize the environment and provide artificial intelligence (AI) features to users.
If Apple launches smart glasses, it is expected to compete with companies like Meta. Bloomberg noted that Apple CEO Tim Cook is determined to outdo Meta in the smart glasses market.
Meta has been releasing smart glasses in collaboration with RAY since 2021. They feature photo and video recording, phone calls, music playback, and basic AI functionalities, with prices starting at $299.
Meta has stated that it will release a premium model with a screen within this year and plans to introduce its first true augmented reality (AR) glasses around 2027.
Apple has been working on developing lightweight smart glasses that can be worn all day for several years. However, it is expected to take a few more years to implement the originally envisioned AR features.
Bloomberg also reported that Apple is developing chips for future Mac products and AI servers. This is the first time Apple is developing custom chips for its AI servers.
The chips are expected to handle requests from Apple Intelligence, the company's AI model, remotely and deliver information to user devices. This project aims for completion by 2027.
Bloomberg added that as Apple began using its own developed Mac chips instead of Intel products in 2020, the importance of the chip design team in Apple’s new product development process has become apparent.