Apple is reportedly gearing up to enter the smart eyewear market with a new pair of smart glasses aimed directly at competing with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. The Cupertino tech giant is said to be making rapid strides in developing a custom chip to power these innovative wearables, with a potential launch window targeted for 2027.

Key Highlights:

Apple developing custom low-power chip for smart glasses

Device will reportedly feature multiple cameras

Two variants under consideration: with and without AR capabilities

Apple targeting a lightweight, consumer-friendly design

Mass production of the chip may begin by late 2026

Expected to compete directly with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses

Apple’s Smart Glasses Project: A Long Time in the Making

Reports of Apple working on smart glasses have surfaced multiple times over the past few years. However, according to Bloomberg’s latest insights, the project appears to be progressing toward a tangible product. Earlier reports hinted at lightweight and more affordable glasses compared to the complex Apple Vision Pro headset. Now, we have a clearer timeline pointing toward a 2027 debut.

Inside the Custom Chip: Efficient, Compact, and Camera-Ready

The cornerstone of Apple’s upcoming smart glasses is a custom-designed chip under development by the company’s in-house silicon engineering team. Internally codenamed N401, this chip draws inspiration from the efficient architecture found in the Apple Watch—renowned for its energy-conscious performance in a compact form factor.

Unlike the more power-intensive chips found in iPhones or Macs, the glasses-specific chip will be tailored for ultra-low power consumption. It will be optimized to manage multiple onboard cameras simultaneously—an essential requirement for capturing the environment, interpreting gestures, and enabling AI-driven features.

To boost efficiency, Apple is reportedly removing unnecessary components and fine-tuning the processor for dedicated camera control and enhanced thermal management. This approach should ensure prolonged usage on a single charge, a critical factor for wearable devices.

Augmented Reality or Not? Apple Weighs Dual Versions

Interestingly, Apple is said to be experimenting with two different models of the smart glasses:

AR-Enabled Version: This variant would incorporate augmented reality capabilities, offering overlays and interactive visuals in real-time.

Non-AR Version: A more affordable and lighter alternative, this version would use onboard cameras to scan surroundings and integrate AI-driven features without full-fledged AR support.

The non-AR model would rely on environmental scanning and artificial intelligence to offer smart functionalities such as visual search, contextual notifications, and navigation assistance.

However, the company has yet to finalize its strategic direction, and both variants are reportedly still in experimental stages. This phased approach could allow Apple to enter the market competitively, with future AR enhancements introduced over time.

Production Timeline: What to Expect

According to internal sources cited in Bloomberg’s report, Apple aims to commence mass production of its custom chip by late 2026 or early 2027. This timeline strongly suggests that the final product—Apple’s smart glasses—could be unveiled or launched around the same period.

The tech industry anticipates Apple’s official announcement at a major keynote event, possibly WWDC or a dedicated spring launch event in 2027. If successful, Apple’s smart glasses could become a mainstream wearable, sitting between the Apple Watch and Apple Vision Pro in the company’s product lineup.

Competitive Landscape: Aiming at Meta’s Market Share

Apple’s move into the smart glasses segment would put it in direct competition with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have already carved a niche for lightweight, camera-equipped wearable tech with basic smart features. Meta’s partnership with Ray-Ban has demonstrated market interest in subtle, stylish smart eyewear that avoids the bulk of traditional AR headsets.

However, Apple’s approach—known for tight hardware-software integration—could redefine the category by offering superior ecosystem compatibility, privacy features, and long-term software support.

Conclusion:

With its smart glasses project, Apple appears to be paving the way for a more accessible and stylish form of wearable technology. By combining energy-efficient chip design with potential camera and AI capabilities, the company is poised to deliver a compelling product that aligns with its broader vision for spatial computing and the next era of personal devices.

While details remain under wraps and prototypes are likely still being evaluated, Apple’s smart glasses may soon become another pillar in its expanding ecosystem—bringing futuristic functionality into a familiar form.