Apple is doubling down on its in-house silicon efforts, and it's not just for iPhones or Macs anymore. The tech giant is reportedly developing new custom chips that will fuel a wave of next-generation devices—including smart glasses, ultra-powerful Macs, and dedicated servers for Apple's AI systems. Let's break down what this means and what's on the horizon.

Smart Glasses Are No Longer Just a Concept

After years of speculation, Apple is moving forward with a custom chip designed specifically for its upcoming smart glasses. Sources say the chip is already in development and draws inspiration from the Apple Watch's efficient, low-power architecture. It's been optimized even further by stripping out unnecessary parts to maximize energy savings—essential for lightweight wearables.

The glasses are expected to support multiple cameras and offer real-time environmental scanning, with AI built in to assist users. These aren't full-blown AR glasses just yet, but more like what Meta has released—smart eyewear that can take photos, play audio, and work with a voice assistant.

Mass production of the chip could begin as early as late 2026, suggesting that Apple may launch the glasses within the next two years if all goes well.

A Two-Pronged Glasses Strategy

Apple is reportedly pursuing both non-AR smart glasses and true AR headsets under the internal codename N401 (previously N50). While AR glasses are still years away from being consumer-ready, Apple is exploring an interim product that focuses on environmental awareness through cameras and AI—similar to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses.

Tim Cook is said to be especially driven to beat Meta in the wearable eyewear market, and internal studies and user testing are already underway.

Turning AirPods and Watches Into AI Devices

Apple isn't stopping with glasses. It's also adding camera capabilities to AirPods and Apple Watches, aiming to make these everyday accessories smarter. New chips—Nevis for a camera-equipped Apple Watch and Glennie for upgraded AirPods—are in the works and could be ready by 2027.

This shift reflects Apple's long-term goal to integrate AI into as many devices as possible, not just phones and computers.

Visual Intelligence Is Already a Step Ahead

You may have already seen signs of Apple's AI future. The iPhone's Visual Intelligence feature allows you to scan real-world content—like a concert poster—and instantly add it to your calendar. It's this kind of contextual awareness Apple wants to expand across more devices with help from its custom silicon.

Next-Level Mac Chips: M6, M7, and More

On the Mac front, Apple's silicon roadmap is equally ambitious. Beyond the current M3 series, new chips like the M6 (Komodo) and M7 (Borneo) are in development. A more advanced chip dubbed Sotra is also being worked on, and the M5 is expected to arrive in the iPad Pro and MacBook Pro by the end of this year.

These chips will continue to push performance and battery efficiency, keeping Apple ahead in the laptop and tablet space.

AI Servers: Apple's Answer to the AI Race

One of the most strategic developments is Apple's entry into AI server chips. Unlike repurposing Mac chips for backend processing (like the M2 Ultra), Apple is building a custom chip—code-named Baltra—just for AI workloads.

These servers will support Apple Intelligence, handling AI processing in the cloud and sending results to your personal devices. Versions of the chip are being considered with up to 8x the processing cores of current Mac chips. The project, expected to complete by 2027, could mark a turning point in Apple's AI strategy.

Expanding the Modem Lineup and Sensor Tech

Apple's chip ambitions don't stop at computing and AI. Following the release of the C1 modem in the iPhone 16e, the company is already working on C2 and C3 versions for next-gen iPhones. These high-end modems will support faster data and more reliable connectivity.

In the health tech arena, Apple is also developing a non-invasive glucose monitoring system—a combination of sensors and chips planned for a future Apple Watch. This project could redefine wearable health monitoring, aligning with Apple's growing focus on health features.

The Bigger Picture: Custom Silicon Powers Apple's Future

All of this innovation is being driven by Apple's silicon division, led by executive Johny Srouji. From AI and wearables to health and Macs, the company's strategy is clear: own the technology that powers the experience.

While competitors race ahead in AI and AR, Apple is methodically building the foundational hardware that will support its next wave of innovation. Whether it's smart glasses, smarter AirPods, or AI-powered servers, Apple's future is being shaped chip by chip.