AI smart glasses: sales up 263%, Meta crushes the market

Smart glasses are gradually establishing themselves as the new essential growth driver for the Tech sector. According to the latest Global Intelligent Eyewear Market Tracker forecast report published by analytics firm Counterpoint Research, global shipments of AI glasses (including both screen-equipped and screenless models) recorded a spectacular year-on-year increase of +263% in the first half of 2026. Within this emerging market, it is the lighter, more affordable frames without any true holographic display (the so-called “screenless” or Display-Less models) that are taking the lion’s share, accounting for no less than 96% of total volume. Glasses combining AI and augmented reality (AR), which are more expensive and bulkier, remain for now confined to a niche.

 

 

Meta and EssilorLuxottica reign supreme in screenless eyewear In this flagship category of screenless AI glasses (which is growing by +258%), Meta is consolidating its overwhelming dominance. Three years after the release of its first versions, the American giant, backed by its partnership with EssilorLuxottica (Ray-Ban), holds 94% of global market share. This hegemony is driven by the introduction of new, more affordable variants, aggressive geographic expansion (notably in the Asia-Pacific region), and a very strong retail presence. Outside Meta, the market remains extremely fragmented, despite attempts by Chinese competitors such as Huawei or Alibaba.

 

 

Augmented reality, a niche market dominated by China While the segment of glasses combining AI and true AR display (often via waveguide lenses) still accounts for little, its growth is very strong: +449% year on year. Unlike screenless models, it is Chinese manufacturers (such as Rokid, Alibaba or Even Realities) who are leading the way here. According to analyst Flora Tang, this lead is explained by a local ecosystem that is already very mature in micro-displays and key components, coupled with a launch strategy that is much faster than the caution shown by players like Apple or Meta on pure AR. China thus represents 45% of shipments in this segment, just ahead of North America (41%).

 

The challenges ahead: component costs and privacy Despite this enthusiasm, the industry is facing new headwinds. Rising semiconductor prices, especially memory, and above all the growing concerns of the general public regarding privacy (particularly with respect to onboard cameras) are weighing on short-term development. However, Counterpoint believes the innovation trajectory is not threatened. Future AI glasses will move toward more proactive assistants, or even fully camera-free models (audio-only) or models whose optical sensors will be used solely for contextual understanding, with no ability to capture photos or videos, in order to reassure users.

 

The full Global Intelligent Eyewear Market Tracker study (first-half 2026 update) is available for consultation on the official Counterpoint Research website.