Apple prepares low-power chip for smart eyewear
With its first modem launched and a shift to US-based chip sourcing, Apple continues to reduce its reliance on China.
Apple is developing custom chips to power future smart glasses, AI servers, and new Mac models, according to a report by Bloomberg News.
The chip for the glasses is being designed with a focus on energy efficiency and advanced camera handling, and production could begin as early as late 2026 or 2027.
Built on technology similar to that of the Apple Watch instead of the iPhone, the chip is expected to consume significantly less power.
It will be manufactured by Taiwan’s TSMC and tailored to manage multiple cameras efficiently, potentially positioning Apple as a rival to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses.
At the same time, Apple is working on new Mac processors—possibly branded as the M6 and M7—as well as AI server chips designed to support the Apple Intelligence platform. This system enables features like notification summaries, email rewriting, and access to OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
These projects come as Apple expands its silicon strategy. Earlier in 2025, the company unveiled its first custom modem for iPhones, and it plans to source over 19 billion chips from the US this year instead of depending on China, while also boosting production in India.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!
