2026 First Half Global AI Glasses Shipments Surge 263%, Screenless Becomes Dominant Form

According to the latest "Smart Glasses Market Tracking" report released by Counterpoint Research, smart glasses are still a relatively niche tech category, but the market growth rate is accelerating significantly. In the first half of 2026, global AI glasses shipments increased by 263% year-on-year, with most products not equipped with AR displays, but instead relying on speakers and microphones for interaction.

Screenless Products Drive the Market, AR Display Glasses Grow Faster

In this growth wave, screenless AI glasses, represented by the Meta Ray-Ban collaboration glasses, dominate the market. These products are cheaper and more mature compared to AR waveguide solutions, with shipments growing by 258% in the first half of this year, up 22% from the second half of 2025, making them the current market's main force.

By contrast, smart glasses with real AR displays still account for a small share of the market, but their growth rate is even more impressive. According to Counterpoint data, shipments of AR and AI display glasses grew by as much as 449% in the first half of 2026, although this high growth rate is based on a small shipment base. In this niche segment, Rokid leads with a 41% share, followed closely by Meta with 37%, while the Chinese market accounted for 45% of global AR and AI display glasses shipments.

Privacy and Cost Concerns Rise, Industry Begins "Camera-Free" Trend

As AI glasses accelerate their adoption, the industry faces new challenges. Rising component costs and public concerns about cameras and privacy could become variables affecting market development in the near term. Meta was previously criticized by the industry over the recording indicator light issue in its smart glasses.

However, these issues have not yet hindered the overall growth trend. The industry expects more devices to avoid camera-related privacy controversies in product design, such as "audio glasses" that do not include cameras and mainly rely on microphones and AI functions for interaction. According to recent reports, Meta is also considering developing a smart glasses product centered around microphones and AI, eliminating the camera. If this device is launched, it could become a new direction for manufacturers to address privacy concerns.