AI Glasses Shipments Surge 263% in H1 2026: Meta Holds 94% Market Share as Apple Targets 2027 Entry

AI glasses are officially the fastest-growing consumer electronics category in the world. Counterpoint Research reports that global AI glasses shipments surged 263% year-over-year in the first half of 2026 — up from an already-strong 83% growth in Q1 alone.

Key Numbers

• Display-less dominance: Models without AR displays (like Ray-Ban Meta) account for 96% of all AI glasses shipped
• Meta's grip: Meta holds 94% of global display-less AI glasses shipments, with volumes growing 260% year-over-year and 22% sequentially
• Competition: Xiaomi and Alibaba each hold 1% market share, with the remaining 4% split among other brands
• Geography: North America accounts for 50% of shipments, Western Europe 28%, Australia 4.4%, Asia-Pacific 4%, Latin America 3.8%, India 3.7%, China 3%, UAE 2%

Apple's 2027 Entry

Apple is targeting a late 2027 launch for its first smart glasses, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple's initial model is rumored to omit an AR display, focusing on audio, cameras, Siri, and iPhone connectivity — the same formula driving Meta's success. More advanced AR glasses from Apple aren't expected until 2029 at the earliest.

Challenges Ahead

Counterpoint identified rising semiconductor costs and public unease about wearable cameras as potential growth obstacles. Meta's own camera-free Luna glasses, expected at today's Meta Connect keynote, directly address the privacy concern.

What This Means for Buyers

The smart glasses market is booming, prices are stable, and the product category is maturing rapidly. If you've been waiting for smart glasses to "prove themselves" — they have. Browse current options in our smart glasses hub or compare prices on the Ray-Ban Meta.