Apple's Smart Glasses: A Watch Chip-Based Design

05/09/2025 Technology & Electronics

Apple's foray into the burgeoning smart glasses market is taking shape, with recent reports suggesting a modified Apple Watch chip as the core of their upcoming device. The company's silicon team has reportedly streamlined the Watch chip, focusing on enhanced power efficiency to suit the demands of a wearable device with significantly different requirements. This adaptation includes integrating support for multiple cameras, a crucial component for the functionality of smart glasses.

A Cautious Approach to Standalone AR

While earlier plans for augmented reality (AR) glasses tethered to Macs have been shelved, Apple remains committed to a standalone AR product. However, this initial release won't represent a full-fledged AR experience. Instead, it will likely compete more directly with offerings like Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, focusing on a more limited, albeit still impressive, feature set. Apple is adopting a measured, iterative development strategy, emphasizing a robust product over a rapid release.

Mass production of the specialized chip is anticipated to begin in 2027, suggesting a launch date at least two years out. This timeline positions Meta, already working on its own AR glasses with a target release around the same timeframe, to potentially lead the market in true AR technology. Apple's device, leveraging cameras and AI assistance, aims to offer features comparable to those of its main competitor, including image and video capture and voice control. However, the company’s exact approach remains under development.

Beyond smart glasses, Apple’s advanced chip development also extends to other projects, encompassing new generations of high-performance Macs and AI servers, showcasing a broad commitment to silicon innovation across its product lines.