DIGITIMES' Tech Forum 2026 kicked off on December 3, 2025, where DIGITIMES analyst Brandon Fang highlighted that the AI glasses market is expected to grow steadily year-over-year. Despite inherent challenges such as weight limiting breakthroughs in functionality and battery life, deep integration of AI applications will create new development opportunities and ultimately define the ceiling for AI glasses advancement.
Fang noted that combined shipments of augmented reality (AR) and AI glasses could reach around 5 million units in 2025, with AI glasses comprising the majority. Although overall shipment volumes remain relatively low, major tech players like Meta, Apple, Google, and Amazon, along with Chinese manufacturers, are entering the competition. This influx is projected to double AI glasses demand by 2027 and push it to a new peak by 2029, when annual shipments of standalone AI glasses may exceed 40 million units.
Startups have also injected fresh momentum into the AI glasses sector. Notably, Rokid has raised over US$5 million across Kickstarter and Zeczec. Other companies, including Halliday, Loomos, and Looktech, have reported solid sales performances.
Regarding product specifications, Fang pointed out that weight remains a key concern. Recent data shows the average weight of AI glasses launched by vendors has dropped to 40.8g, while those supporting AR features weigh about 49.7g on average. This indicates improved wearability, yet conventional eyeglasses typically weigh under 36g, so further slimming remains a critical challenge for manufacturers.
Additionally, although AR display-equipped glasses carry higher costs and prices, they currently account for 37% of released models. Expectations for AR are strong; in the first half of 2026, the share of AI glasses featuring AR capabilities could rise to 50%. This trend will accelerate the maturation of technologies like AR waveguides, boosting demand for components such as microLED or LCoS.
Fang stressed that the evolving AI glasses ecosystem supports their emergence as a new mobile communication platform. However, constraints from traditional eyewear design require ongoing efforts to reduce device mass while optimizing internal elements, including optics, chips, cameras, speakers, microphones, and batteries.
Manufacturers must strike better balances among performance, battery life, and size/weight. Clear product positioning combined with AI-enabled designs will be essential to making AI glasses a daily wearable, indispensable AI access device. This challenge tests R&D and innovation capabilities and ultimately determines if and when AI glasses achieve widespread adoption.
Article translated by Charlene Chen and edited by Jack Wu
