This sounds like good news for Apple’s rumored smart glasses: global intelligent eyewear shipments, including VR(Virtual Realities), AR (Augmented Realities) and smart glasses, grew by 83% year-over-year (YoY) in the first quarter of 2026, according to Counterpoint’s latest XR 360 Research Service.
Among the key product categories, the VR segment declined 17% YoY, while the AR glasses and display-less smart glasses market surged 136% YoY and 210% YoY, respectively, according to the research group.
The VR category continued to decline in the first quarter of 2026 amid an aging product cycle, limited new product introductions, and more conservative investment from leading vendors, per Counterpoint. AR and smart glasses stood out as the main contributors to overall market expansion, adds the research group.
Despite these near-term challenges, Counterpoint Research remains positive on the outlook for the AR and smart glasses markets, as ecosystem development continues to accelerate.
Apple’s smart glasses — likely to be dubbed “Apple Glasses” — are expected to be unveiled late this year or in early 2027 with a ship date in spring or summer of next year. In an April “Power On Newsletter, Bloomberg‘s Mark Gurman said Apple is testing four different types of frames for its upcoming smart glasses:
° A large rectangular frame, reminiscent of Ray-Ban Wayfarers;
° A slimmer rectangular design;
° Larger oval or circular frames;
° A smaller, more refined oval or circular option
The body of the “Apple Glasses” will purportedly be made with acetate, one of the first synthetic fibers used in eyeglass frames, photographic films, and synthetic fabric. Gurman said that Apple is exploring a variety of finishes, including black, ocean blue and light brown. He says that the front cameras on the glasses will be arranged in an oval pattern, surrounded by indicator lights.
You can read a found-up of more rumors about the smart glasses here.
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