Smart Glasses Surge: Meta Leads Charge, Apple Eyes Entry

Wearable AI Poised for Explosive Growth as Tech Giants Invest Billions

Smart glasses are rapidly capturing consumer interest, ushering in a new era for wearable artificial intelligence. Meta’s latest eyewear is driving this trend, with widespread industry investment signaling a significant shift in personal technology.

Meta’s AI Eyewear Gains Momentum

Meta has seen impressive adoption of its AI-powered smart glasses, selling nearly 2.6 million units since their 2023 debut. These devices, featuring cameras, microphones, and open-ear speakers, offer an integrated AI voice assistant for tasks like navigation, messaging, and photography.

Bridging to Augmented Reality

Tech leaders like Meta view smart glasses as a crucial step toward wider AI integration and a precursor to future augmented-reality headsets. By familiarizing consumers with AI-enabled eyewear, companies aim to create a pathway for users to eventually adopt more advanced AR devices.

Apple Enters the Fray

Apple is also targeting this burgeoning market, reportedly planning to launch its own smart glasses by late 2026. This move comes as Apple seeks to build on its AI ambitions, despite challenges with its high-end Vision Pro headset. The smart glasses market is projected to expand by nearly 50% annually through 2029, according to IDC.

Massive Investment Fuels Innovation

Meta’s commitment is underscored by a substantial $3.5 billion investment in EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley. This partnership aims to accelerate the development and distribution of AI eyewear, with new models like Oakley sports editions promising enhanced features and durability.

Future Models and Competition

Consumers can anticipate a wider array of smart glasses styles and functionalities in the coming years. While Meta’s current offerings start at $299, more advanced versions displaying digital information on lenses are expected. Companies like Snap, Google, and Samsung are also developing competing products, fostering a dynamic and competitive landscape.

The ongoing innovation in smart glasses, driven by significant industry backing and expanding capabilities, suggests these devices are set to become increasingly common in daily life. A recent report indicates that the global smart glasses market is expected to reach $31.2 billion by 2030, demonstrating a robust growth trajectory (Grand View Research, 2024).