Apple’s first smart glasses could arrive in a rapidly expanding market, with global shipments of AI glasses increasing 263% year-over-year in the first half of 2026, according to Counterpoint Research.
These numbers are particularly relevant for Apple, as non-display products accounted for 96% of shipments. Apple’s first smart glasses are also rumored to omit an augmented reality display, instead focusing on audio, cameras, Siri, and connectivity with the iPhone and Apple’s broader ecosystem.
BloombergMark Gurman of , reports that the company is targeting a late 2027 release for the device. Apple could introduce the glasses at WWDC 2027 with a focus on privacy.
Counterpoint said shipments of screenless AI glasses increased 258% from the first half of 2025 and 22% from the previous six months. This category includes products such as Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which offer screen-free photography, audio, calling and AI capabilities.
Meta currently presents Apple with a formidable incumbent. The company accounted for about 94% of total AI glasses shipments, while its own volume grew 260% year-over-year and 22% sequentially. Its expansion was supported by additional frame styles, broader retail distribution and new eyewear priced at $299.
Screen-equipped AI glasses accounted for just 4% of the market, although shipments in this segment increased 449% year-over-year. Apple’s more advanced augmented reality glasses aren’t expected until 2029 at the earliest.
Counterpoint identified rising semiconductor costs and public unease with wearable cameras as possible obstacles to continued growth. Still, he expects investments from Apple, Meta, Google and Samsung to push the category toward more proactive glasses that use AI to understand their surroundings and provide context-based assistance.
