AI Glasses Trend: Shipments Surge 263% in H1 2026

The market for AI-powered glasses is experiencing unprecedented growth. Global shipments of these devices increased by 263% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to Counterpoint Research. Notably, this surge is driven by glasses without augmented reality displays – simpler models equipped with a camera, speakers, and a microphone are proving most popular.

This trend has positioned Meta as the dominant player, largely due to its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. While companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung are developing their own offerings, Meta has secured a strong advantage in a category that is rapidly developing into a significant business area and a potential future battleground for consumer hardware.

Meta's Dominance in Non-Display AI Glasses

Meta captured an impressive 94% of global shipments for AI glasses without displays in the first half of 2026. Their unit volume grew by approximately 260% year-on-year. Competitors such as Xiaomi and Alibaba each accounted for about 1%, with the remaining 4% distributed among other manufacturers. These figures are significant, especially considering that 96% of AI glasses shipped lacked a display.

The success is primarily attributed to the second generation of Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which have been better received than the company's initial foray into this market. EssilorLuxottica, the owner of Ray-Ban and Meta's partner in this venture, previously stated that over 7 million pairs were sold in 2025, with plans to scale production to around 10 million units annually.

Geographically, North America leads with approximately 50% of non-display AI glasses shipments, followed by Western Europe at 28%. Other regions include Australia (4.4%), Asia-Pacific (4%), Latin America (3.8%), India (3.7%), China (3%), and the UAE (around 2%).

Apple Prepares Entry Amidst Faster Growth in Displayed AR Glasses

Apple is expected to make a significant entrance into the market. Reports indicate that Apple is developing its own smart glasses, anticipated for a 2027 launch, to compete directly with Ray-Ban Meta. These devices are expected to feature a camera, microphones, and speakers, with AI integration via Siri and the Apple Intelligence ecosystem. A more advanced version with an augmented reality display is planned for a later release.

Interestingly, the smaller segment of AI glasses that incorporate augmented reality displays is growing at an even faster rate. Shipments in this category increased by 449% year-on-year during the same period. However, this high percentage is from a smaller base, diminishing its overall impact.

In the AR display glasses market, the leader is Rokid with approximately 41% of the market share, followed by Meta at 37%, Even Realities at 11%, Alibaba at 7%, and INMO at 2%. China accounts for 45% of shipments in this category, slightly ahead of North America's 41%.