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Apple Developing Custom Chips for Smart Glasses, AI Servers, and Next-Gen Macs

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Apple is advancing its hardware ambitions with the development of specialized chips designed to power future products, including its first smart glasses, AI servers, and next-generation MacBooks, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter.

The tech giant’s reported progress on a low-power chip for smart glasses signals its intent to directly compete with Meta’s popular Ray-Ban smart glasses, a category that’s becoming increasingly central in the race toward consumer wearables integrated with AI.

The glasses-specific chip is said to be based on Apple Watch silicon, emphasizing power efficiency and compact form factors. It has been tailored to support multiple cameras — a key feature for augmented reality (AR) and immersive use cases — and could enter mass production as early as late 2026 or 2027, with TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) slated as the manufacturing partner.

Beyond Smart Glasses:
Apple is also reportedly working on AI-optimized server chips to support the Apple Intelligence platform — the company’s suite of on-device AI features introduced for iPhones. These capabilities include notification summaries, email rewriting, and integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

The server chips would provide the infrastructure needed to process more complex AI workloads, marking a notable shift for Apple as it begins to build its own AI compute backbone, rather than relying entirely on third-party providers.

MacBook Chip Roadmap Expands:
In addition, Apple is said to be developing new Mac chips, expected to be named the M6 and M7, extending its in-house silicon strategy. Apple’s custom chips have already proven transformative in differentiating its Mac lineup, offering significant performance gains over Intel-based predecessors.

Earlier this year, Apple also unveiled its first custom modem chip for iPhones, reinforcing its long-term commitment to vertical integration — from semiconductors to software.

While Apple has not publicly commented on the report, its steady push into AR, AI, and custom hardware signals the company is not merely following trends — but aiming to shape them.

TSMC Reinforces Commitment to Taiwan with New Domestic Fab Amid Global Expansion

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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) reaffirmed its dedication to its home base with the opening of a new chip manufacturing facility in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. The factory, which will produce the company’s most advanced chips using 2nm technology, is expected to create 7,000 tech jobs on the island. This announcement comes amid concerns that TSMC’s significant investment in the United States could dilute its domestic presence.

TSMC’s executive vice president, Y.P. Chyn, made the remarks during a ceremony at the new fab, highlighting the company’s ongoing commitment to Taiwan even as it expands globally. The new facility is slated to begin volume production of 2nm wafers in the latter half of this year, according to the company’s schedule.

Despite its $100 billion investment plan in the U.S., TSMC and the Taiwanese government have both emphasized that a substantial portion of the company’s production will remain in Taiwan. TSMC, often called Taiwan’s “sacred mountain protecting the country,” plays a pivotal role in Taiwan’s economy, and the company’s officials reassured that Taiwan will continue to be at the heart of its operations.

While Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai expressed gratitude for TSMC’s assurances, noting that the company will always remain a “national team,” the company has also made clear that it intends to meet the growing demand of global customers, which has driven its expansion.

TSMC’s growing presence in the U.S. follows pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized Taiwan’s semiconductor dominance and called for more manufacturing to return to the U.S. The concerns over potential tariff impositions highlight the delicate balance TSMC must strike as it manages its global footprint while maintaining its critical role in Taiwan’s economy.

Taiwan Investigates SMIC for Alleged Illegal Recruitment of Tech Workers

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Taiwanese authorities are investigating whether China’s top semiconductor manufacturer, SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation), has been involved in illegally luring Taiwanese tech workers. According to Taiwan’s Justice Ministry’s investigation bureau, SMIC is suspected of using a shell company posing as a Samoan firm to recruit engineers on the island, specifically targeting the semiconductor talent in Hsinchu County, home to Taiwan’s semiconductor industry hub and TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company).

The investigation is part of Taiwan’s broader effort to combat illegal activities aimed at stealing know-how and attracting talent from its advanced technology sector. Taiwan has long been a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, making its high-tech workforce a prime target for Chinese firms, especially amid growing geopolitical tensions and U.S. export restrictions on China’s semiconductor industry.

Taiwan’s investigation has been extensive, with 180 agents conducting raids at 11 companies suspected of engaging in talent poaching. The authorities have already questioned 90 people and seized evidence from 34 premises. Since 2020, more than 100 such cases have been investigated.

SMIC, which has been increasing its efforts to expand its production capacity and counter U.S. sanctions, has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations.