Meta leads smart glasses market amid 139% shipment surge

The smart glasses market experienced a 139% year-over-year growth in the second half of 2025, driven largely by Meta's AI-enabled products. Meta captured 82% of shipments, with AI glasses making up 88% of the total. This surge highlights the rising popularity of advanced eyewear, though prices remain a barrier.

The global smart glasses market saw significant expansion in the second half of 2025, with shipments increasing 139% compared to the same period in 2024, according to data from Counterpoint Research. This growth was predominantly fueled by AI-integrated models, which comprised 88% of all smart glasses shipped during that time. Meta emerged as the clear leader, accounting for 82% of the market share through its portfolio of AI smart glasses.

Key contributors to Meta's dominance included the first- and second-generation Ray-Ban AI Glasses, which boosted seasonal demand. Additionally, the Oakley Meta HSTN and Oakley Meta Vanguard models represented more than 30% of shipments in the final quarter of 2025. Demand extended beyond Meta to Chinese manufacturers such as Li Auto, Rokid, and Bolon, though Meta's offerings were the top sellers.

Users and reviewers have praised certain aspects of these devices. Feedback highlighted strong video performance in the second-generation Ray-Ban AI Glasses, while the Oakley Meta Vanguard earned positive remarks for its design, photography capabilities, and audio features. CNET editors noted appreciation for the Ray-Ban Gen 2's enhanced battery life and video quality, along with its compatibility with previous lens designs. However, battery performance remains an area needing further improvement.

Despite the momentum, challenges lie ahead. The average price for AI smart glasses climbed to $360 in the second half of 2025, up from $347 in the first half of the prior year. Counterpoint anticipates continued robust growth into 2026, with new entrants and expansions from existing brands, but escalating prices—potentially worsened by ongoing memory shortages—could temper consumer adoption.

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