With the disastrous launch of Google Glass and the subsequent lukewarm reception of other smart glasses in the past few years, it felt like that particular wearables category was dead in the water. Then Meta stepped in with its Ray-Ban smart glasses and suddenly, the category was revived. In fact, revived might undersell just how well it’s doing because according to Counterpoint Research, global AI glasses shipments are surging tremendously.
Global AI glasses shipments are off the chart
According to Counterpoint Research’s data, global AI glasses shipments have surged by a whopping 263% during the first half of 2026. When you break that down by category, Rokid actually leads the overall AR/AI glasses market with a 41% share, edging out Meta’s 37%. But zoom in on display-less AI glasses specifically, and it’s a completely different picture. Meta commands 94% of that segment.
Google and Samsung are definitely eyeing the market with their own smart glasses and the Android XR platform. Also, there are rumors that Apple is looking to step into the ring as well. Earlier rumors suggested Apple could debut its new wearable in September or October 2026. But a later report pushed those dates to early 2027.
It will be interesting to see how this will play out. Especially since Google, Samsung, and Apple have tried their hand at this before. Some of you might recall that about a decade ago, Google launched Daydream, a platform for its early VR efforts. Then Samsung also worked with Meta for the Gear VR headset.
Apple was the more recent entry with its Vision Pro headset. The device was a technological wonder, but its price and limited use made it a commercial flop.
Rise of the pervert glasses
That being said, it’s easy to see how useful smart glasses can be. Being able to snap photos and videos from a POV perspective is great for creators. Adding a display could make it useful for phone calls, messages, and web browsing. But at the same time, we cannot ignore how this type of tech can be misused.
One of the reasons Google Glass flopped was because at that time, the public wasn’t ready to be filmed discreetly via a pair of smart glasses. We’re not saying that we’re ready now, but judging by the sales of smart glasses, the public seems to be a bit more receptive. However, there have been complaints of people being filmed without consent as well as harassment.
These are issues these companies need to solve if this tech is expected to become a new standard in wearables.
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