Smart Glasses Shipments Surge 167% in Q1 2026 as IDC Forecasts 13.6 Million Units for the Year

Smart glasses are having their breakout year. IDC reports that display-less smart glasses shipped 2.25 million units in Q1 2026 alone — a staggering 167% increase from the same quarter in 2025. The broader intelligent-eyewear market (including AR glasses) grew 83% year-over-year, with AR glasses specifically surging 136%.

The Numbers

• Q1 2026 display-less smart glasses: 2.25 million units shipped (up 167% YoY)
• Q1 2026 total intelligent eyewear: Up 83% year-over-year
• AR glasses growth: 136% YoY in Q1 2026
• 2026 full-year forecast: 13.6 million smart glasses units
• 2030 forecast: 27.3 million units
• Market value: $3.2 billion in 2026, projected to reach $14.4 billion by 2033 (24.2% CAGR)

Who's Winning

Meta's Ray-Ban Meta ($379) remains the dominant player, having surpassed 10 million cumulative units. China-based brands — including RayNeo, XREAL, and Rokid — collectively hold the largest regional market share by unit volume. North America accounts for 37% of shipments.

What's Driving Growth

Three factors are fueling the surge: multimodal AI integration (particularly Meta AI and Gemini), lighter form factors that look like regular glasses, and falling component costs. The upcoming September launches — RayNeo iO at IFA (Sept 4), Snap Specs (Sept 16), and Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 at Meta Connect (Sept 23) — will push numbers even higher in Q3 and Q4.

What Buyers Should Know

September 2026 is the most competitive month in smart glasses history. If you're in the market, browse our smart glasses guide for current options, but consider waiting until after Meta Connect on September 23 for the clearest picture of what's available. Prices on current-gen models like the Ray-Ban Meta may drop once next-gen products are announced.