Apple is gearing up to launch smart glasses by 2027, featuring custom chips designed for augmented reality (AR) and low-power camera control, according to a Bloomberg report on May 8, 2025. The tech giant aims to rival Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, leveraging its expertise in chip design to create a sleek, functional wearable that could redefine the AR market. As Apple expands its AI-driven initiatives, this project highlights its ambitions in wearable tech, though it also faces hurdles related to AR functionality and privacy concerns.
As outlined by Bloomberg, Apple’s custom chips for the smart glasses are derived from those used in the Apple Watch, optimized for energy efficiency and managing multiple cameras on the frames. Set to be produced by TSMC, these chips are expected to enter mass production by mid-2026, paving the way for a launch between late 2026 and early 2027. Apple is reportedly developing two versions: a non-AR model focused on basic features like calls, photography, and digital assistant tasks, and an advanced AR version similar to the Apple Vision Pro but in a lighter design. The non-AR version may include environmental scanning via cameras, enhancing Apple’s AI ecosystem alongside chips like “Glennie” for AirPods and “Nevis” for the Apple Watch.
Under CEO Tim Cook’s leadership, the smart glasses project, codenamed N401, is a strategic priority to outpace competitors like Meta, as noted by LiveMint. Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses have gained popularity for their AI features, but Apple aims to differentiate with superior design and ecosystem integration. Achieving AR in a lightweight form factor is a key challenge—AR demands significant processing power, as seen in the Vision Pro’s dual-chip design (M2 and R1). Apple’s new chip must balance performance with battery life, drawing on its expertise in low-power silicon, similar to its chip advancements for other devices. Additionally, Apple is developing chips for new Macs (M6 and M7) and AI servers to support its Apple Intelligence platform, with server chips potentially offering up to six times the CPU and GPU cores of the M3 Ultra, per Wccftech.
Privacy concerns are a significant hurdle, especially given Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses’ criticism for potential misuse of cameras and microphones, as highlighted by TechRadar. Apple’s camera-equipped glasses will need to address similar security risks, implementing strong safeguards to protect user data and prevent misuse. Apple’s track record with privacy-focused features, like on-device processing for Siri, may help, but the company must ensure transparency and user control to maintain trust in this new wearable category.
If successful, Apple’s smart glasses could set a new benchmark for wearable tech, blending style, functionality, and AR capabilities within its ecosystem. They could appeal to consumers seeking an alternative to Meta’s offerings while advancing Apple’s AI and AR ambitions. However, the project’s timeline and AR features remain speculative, and Apple must overcome technical and ethical challenges to deliver a product that meets expectations. As competition in the wearable tech space intensifies, Apple’s entry could drive innovation and reshape how we interact with AR devices.
Apple’s smart glasses are still in development, but a 2027 launch could mark a pivotal moment for the company and the wearable tech industry. With custom chips and a focus on AR, Apple is poised to make a significant impact, provided it navigates the challenges ahead. What are your thoughts on Apple’s smart glasses, and would you be excited to try them? Share your perspective in the comments—we’d love to hear your insights on this promising venture.
