Global AR smart glasses shipments are slowly picking up the pace, with several players like Meta, RayNeo, XREAL, and others poised to grow at an impressive rate, with this particular category estimated to witness a 98 percent year-over-year increase for H2 2025. Naturally, all of these companies needed to create a market to reach this stage, meaning the heavy lifting has already been done, giving Apple a tremendous opportunity to scale new heights with its first display-free AR glasses, which are scheduled to arrive in early 2027.
Pricing to play a pivotal role in the success of Apple’s AR glasses, or it could meet a fate similar to the M5 Vision Pro
The latest data from Counterpoint Research highlights the positive trajectory of the global AR glasses market. In the video-centric category, RayNeo leads from the front with a 42 percent market share, followed by XREAL, with VITURE coming in third. In the waveguide-based segment, companies Rokid and Meta are leading the pack, resulting in a mammoth 611 percent year-over-year growth in this segment.
In H2 2025, AR glasses featuring chipsets, microphones, speakers, cameras, and wireless adapters represented 70 percent of waveguide-based smart spectacles, with China and the U.S. currently the biggest markets for these devices. Seeing as both regions are witnessing an unprecedented surge in iPhone shipments, they will be considered ideal for Apple’s AR glasses, which are picking up incredible steam.
Of course, it isn’t as easy as expected, because the Cupertino firm will target a product that steers away from the competition, offering a lightweight accessory that doesn’t compromise on features, functionality, and battery life. Apple already makes exceptionally powerful and efficient chipsets, but one area where it can double down on its smart glasses’ runtime is by using an Apple Watch SiP instead of an iPhone SoC.
Additionally, this SiP won’t require a robust cooling solution thanks to its ultra-efficiency, reducing the weight of the smart spectacles. Similar to how the iPhone Fold is expected to generate a significant sales momentum in the foldable smartphone category when it launches, we anticipate the company’s first AR glasses to deliver the same effect. However, there needs to be some considerations from Apple’s side.
While we never claimed to be analysts, looking at the ‘less than stellar’ sales of the Apple Vision Pro and its immediate successor, the M5 Vision Pro thanks to the sheer bulk and ludicrously high price tag, the Cupertino firm should brainstorm on whether it wants to alienate a large portion of its customer base by charging a premium for a pair of glasses or target a bigger piece of the pie.
While readers can discuss the future of AR glasses in the comments, we also advise checking out Counterpoint Research’s in-depth analysis by clicking the source link below.
News Source: Counterpoint Research
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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