Apple has been working on a pair of smart glasses for quite some time, and earlier this year, reports hinted at a lightweight and more affordable version inspired by Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. Now, there’s more clarity on when these glasses might actually arrive.
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Apple Reportedly Developing Smart Glasses with Custom Chip, Launch Expected by Late 2026 or Early 2027
A new Bloomberg report alleges that Apple has made significant progress with a new custom chipset that will be used in its upcoming AR glasses. That chip is thought to be a critical piece of hardware that will allow Apple to build an interface with smart eyewear products, as it tries to compete in an increasingly competitive market head-on against Meta. Unlike the more power-hungry chips found in iPhones or Macs, the Apple smart glasses chip is expected to be built on the low-energy design of chips used in the Apple Watch.
These chips are more suitable for wearable devices, where battery life is a crucial consideration. Apple is not only concentrating on power efficiency, but also redesigning the chip to handle multiple cameras that are likely set to be part of the smart glasses’ hardware.
This customized chip is being built with performance and efficiency in mind, allowing for extended use without frequent recharging. Interestingly, Apple is said to be exploring two different models of the smart glasses—one that incorporates augmented reality (AR) features and another that does not.
The non-AR version is expected to rely on cameras and artificial intelligence to scan the environment and offer intelligent features, though the company is still determining the final direction it will take. Internally, the chip is known by the codename N401. Mass production of the chip is reportedly scheduled to begin by the end of 2026 or in early 2027, which likely places the smart glasses’ launch within that window. This timeline suggests that Apple is steadily progressing towards bringing its long-rumored smart glasses to market within the next two to three years.
FAQs
When will Apple launch its smart glasses?
They are expected to launch by late 2026 or early 2027.
Will Apple’s smart glasses have AR features?
Apple is exploring both AR and non-AR versions.
