October 2025
Eyes on the future: Smart glasses
AI glasses are setting the pace for the smart eyewear industry, but augmented reality (AR) glasses are quickly coming into focus.
Key takeaways
- AI glasses, a type of smart eyeglasses that provide audio and visual capabilities to users, have gained traction since early 2024. With tech giants entering the space and shipments expected to exceed 10 million units in 2025, AI glasses are currently driving the smart glasses market — but consumer interest may fall as augmented reality (AR) glasses gain momentum.
- AR glasses offer a richer, more interactive experience, as they are capable of overlaying digital content onto the real world, thanks to advanced components like waveguides and micro-displays. Though heavier and more expensive, AR glasses are expected to mature by 2027 and could surpass AI glasses in volume by 2030, reshaping how users engage with wearable tech.
- The future of smart glasses hinges on expanding applications — from navigation and translation to social media and real-time interaction. As AR glasses integrate more sensors and tracking capabilities, they're poised to become a complementary accessory to smartphones, driving sustainable growth through a broader ecosystem.
Read our full analysis for a more in-depth look at these trends.
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