Global shipments of augmented reality smart glasses rose sharply in 2025, almost doubling year-on-year, according to a report by Counterpoint Research.
The study recorded a 98 per cent annual increase, marking a historic high for the sector.
The market gained stronger momentum in the second half of the year. Shipments surged by 148 per cent during this period, reflecting accelerating adoption.
Segment-wise, video-focused AR smart glasses expanded by more than 80 per cent in H2 2025.
Waveguide-based devices recorded exceptional growth, exceeding 600 per cent year-on-year.
The share of waveguide-based glasses increased significantly. It rose to 38 per cent of total shipments in H2 2025, compared to 13 per cent in the previous year. This growth stemmed largely from the deeper integration of artificial intelligence.
These devices now support real-time translation, navigation, and image recognition, enhancing user functionality.
The report noted that AR smart glasses with AI capabilities accounted for nearly 70 per cent of waveguide shipments in H2 2025. This marked a substantial rise from negligible levels a year earlier. Key markets included China and the United States.
Analysts expect continued expansion, supported by global outreach from leading manufacturers, increased market entrants, and improved production efficiency in display and optical components.
Challenges, however, remain. Rising memory prices and geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran may affect market stability.
A separate March report highlighted a 139 per cent growth in H2 CY25.
India witnessed a fifteen-fold surge following Meta’s market entry, though it contributed only 2 per cent to global shipments.
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