Apple Inc. (AAPL, Financial) is advancing its technology by developing new custom chips for future devices, including its first smart glasses, more powerful Mac computers, and AI servers. The company is making progress in creating chips for smart glasses, aiming to compete with Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses. These chips are also set to enhance future Mac computers and support Apple's AI platform.
Since replacing Intel processors with its own chips in 2020, Apple has been integrating custom chips across its product lines. The smart glasses chip, based on the Apple Watch chip, is designed for low power consumption and controlling multiple cameras. Mass production is expected by the end of 2026 or 2027, with TSMC handling production.
Apple is exploring non-AR smart glasses, focusing on lightweight, all-day wearable consumer devices. While AR applications are still years away, Apple aims to enter the non-AR market, following Meta's progress with similar products. Apple is also enhancing its AI capabilities to develop an attractive AI-driven device.
Additionally, Apple is working on chips for AirPods and Apple Watch with cameras, targeting a 2027 release. New Mac chips, including M6 and M7, are in development, with the M5 processor expected in iPad Pro and MacBook Pro by year-end. The AI server chips, part of the "Baltra" project with Broadcom, aim to double or even octuple current capabilities by 2027.
