Meta Holds 69% of Smart Glasses Market in Q1 2026 as AI Glasses Shipments Surge 167% Year-Over-Year

New market data paints a clear picture of Meta's dominance in the smart glasses category — and the competition rushing to challenge it.

The Numbers

• Meta's market share: 69.2% of AI glasses market in Q1 2026
• Year-over-year growth: Smart glasses without displays surged 167% in Q1 2026
• 2025 shipments: AI glasses hit 8.7 million units — a 322% increase from 2024
• 2026 forecast: Analysts project 25+ million smart glasses units shipped

Why Meta Is Winning

Meta's strategy of combining fashion-forward Ray-Ban frames with genuinely useful AI features created the category's breakout moment. The recent launch of Meta Glasses at $299 — $80 below Ray-Ban Meta pricing — signals Meta's push for volume over margins. With 26 style-and-lens combinations and prescription support from -12 to +2.25, accessibility barriers are falling fast.

The Challengers

Meta's dominance faces its biggest test this summer:

• Samsung Galaxy Glasses (Jinju): Expected at $379–$499 with Android XR and Gemini AI at July 22 Unpacked
• Google Android XR partners: Warby Parker, Gentle Monster, and XREAL are all building Android XR glasses
• Even Realities G2: The G1 follow-up adds a micro-LED display for AR notifications
• Snap Specs: $2,195 full AR glasses targeting developers and early adopters

For buyers, the competition means better products and lower prices are coming fast. See all current options in our smart glasses guide.