This should be good news for the rumored “Apple Glasses”: according to the latest estimates from Omdia, global shipments of AI glasses in 2025 reached 8.7 million units, marking a significant 322% increase.
This was fueled by a surge of interest in this emerging AI device category. Meta remains the dominant force globally, holding the largest share of the global market at 85.2%. Meta’s AI glasses shipments reached 7.4 million units, representing a growth rate of 281.3%, driven by strong performance from the Oakley and second-generation Ray-Ban-branded AI glasses, supported by Meta’s efforts to expand into new markets, including India, Mexico, Brazil and others.
About Apple Glasses
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman says Apple’s smart glasses will be previewed, if not actually available, by year’s end.
“Early prototypes of the glasses connect via a cable to a standalone battery pack and an iPhone, but newer versions have the components embedded in the frame,” Gurman says. “The design uses high-end materials, including acrylic elements intended to give the glasses a premium feel. Apple is already discussing launching the device in additional styles over time.”
He says the smart glasses will pack a high-resolution camera for photo and video capture. Apple’s prototypes have two camera lenses: one for high-resolution images and videos, and another for “computer vision” that will “give the device environmental context,” Gurman says.
Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has previously predicted that Apple will ship 3-5 million units or more of the device. He says core features will include audio playback, camera, video recording, and AI environmental sensing. Kue also thinks that Apple will offer multiple material options for frames and temples, with Apple actively testing 3D printing technology for production.
