Apple and Microsoft Hold Strongest AI Smart Glasses Patent Positions Despite No Shipping Product, Report Finds

Apple and Microsoft hold some of the strongest AI smart glasses patent positions in the industry, despite neither company currently selling an AI smart glasses product, according to a new report from patent intelligence firm PatentVest published August 27.

Report Scope

The PV Pulse report, titled "Who's Actually Building the AI in AI Smart Glasses?", analyzed validated patent activity across 12 companies shaping the category: seven companies currently building or shipping AI smart glasses, two component suppliers whose IP underpins nearly every product in the space, and three large technology companies with no shipping product.

Key Findings

• Apple's portfolio: An estimated 1,550 validated patent families — larger than Google's or Snap's — ranking in the top three across every AI capability area measured, including eye tracking, gesture recognition, perception, and voice
• Microsoft's position: Similarly strong AI-capability patents despite no consumer product, built on years of HoloLens research and enterprise AR development
• Meta's dominance in shipping products: Meta leads in actual products sold but faces patent competition from companies that have not yet entered the market

What This Means for Buyers

The findings suggest Apple's long-rumored smart glasses — expected to launch by 2027 — will enter the market with substantial IP protection across core AI features. For current buyers, the Ray-Ban Meta at $379 remains the best option, with Meta Connect on September 23 expected to bring Gen 3 models. Browse all options in our smart glasses guide.