Global shipments of artificial intelligence-equipped glasses registered an expressive growth of 263% during the first half of 2026, compared to the same period last year. According to a survey conducted by Counterpoint Research, models without screens accounted for 96% of the total volume shipped.
This category includes devices that incorporate AI functionalities without needing a transparent display on the lenses, citing Ray-Ban Meta as an example. In contrast, models that combine augmented reality (AR) and AI still constitute a smaller share of global shipments.
Counterpoint points out that screenless glasses offer advantages such as being more accessible and lightweight, in addition to using already consolidated technologies. In this segment, Meta concentrated approximately 94% of international shipments in the analyzed period. The company's sales volume grew by 260% in one year, an advance attributed to new versions of Ray-Ban Meta, the introduction of more economical models, and its expansion into new markets.
The dynamic is different when considering glasses that integrate AR and AI. Even starting from a reduced base, shipments of these devices experienced a jump of 449% in one year. These models use optical components and displays to project information directly into the user's field of view.
Manufacturers such as Rokid, Even Realities, Alibaba, and INMO are at the forefront of this niche. China was responsible for 45% of shipments in the first half, followed by North America, with about 41%. The consultancy attributes this Chinese prominence to a more developed local chain of microdisplays and other essential components.
Cameras integrated into glasses continue to raise privacy concerns. Apple, meanwhile, is expected to postpone the launch of its smart glasses while finalizing the development of security and privacy features. Meta, on the other hand, has implemented camera shutdowns in tampered devices to prevent users from bypassing the recording LED indicator.
Finally, Counterpoint signals that the rising cost of components such as memory may put pressure on the sector in the short term. Despite these challenges, the consultancy projects continuous growth in the market, anticipating the arrival of new formats, including AI glasses without cameras.