Galaxy Securities’ research report underscores that technological progress is a powerful catalyst for market demand, propelling AR glasses steadily towards becoming the “next computing terminal.”
Manufacturers in the AR glasses domain are making concerted efforts to transition these devices from being mere “niche geek toys” to “mainstream smart terminals” through multiple strategies. They are pushing the boundaries of technology, integrating ecosystems, and increasing market penetration. In the first quarter of 2025, the global AR sales volume reached 112,000 units, remaining relatively stable compared to the same period in the previous year. However, the scene brightens when looking at global AI smart glasses. Thanks to a substantial upswing in the sales of Ray Ban Meta, their global sales soared to 600,000 units, registering a staggering year – on – year growth of 216%.
The Chinese market also presents an impressive growth trajectory. In the opening quarter of 2025, the sales of AR devices in China hit 91,000 units, marking a remarkable 116% year – on – year increase. Moreover, the total sales of AI glasses across all channels (including AI + AR combinations) reached 71,000 pairs, surging by 193% compared to the previous year. This indicates a burgeoning appetite for such advanced wearable technologies in the Chinese consumer and enterprise markets.
Despite these promising market trends, AR glasses still grapple with several key challenges. Cost remains a significant hurdle. The current manufacturing expenses are high, resulting in relatively expensive retail prices, which limits their accessibility to a broader consumer base. Battery life is another thorn in the side. With the high – energy – consuming nature of AR operations, the devices often require frequent recharging, inconveniencing users. The ecosystem around AR glasses is not yet fully developed.
There is a lack of a wide variety of high – quality applications and content, which could enhance user engagement and drive adoption. Additionally, changing user habits to incorporate AR glasses into daily life is proving to be a slow process. People are accustomed to their existing ways of interacting with technology, and convincing them to embrace AR glasses as an everyday accessory requires more education and better – designed user experiences.
Nevertheless, with the continuous maturation of AI + AR technology, the future of smart glasses looks bright. They are on the cusp of becoming the next mainstream computing terminal after smartphones. Once they reach this milestone, they are expected to trigger a domino effect, driving the entire industry chain – chips, optics, sensors, foundries, and more – into a high – growth phase. For example, the demand for more powerful and energy – efficient chips for AR glasses will spur chip manufacturers to innovate and invest in research and development. Optics companies will be pushed to create more advanced and lightweight lenses to improve the visual experience of AR glasses. Sensor manufacturers will strive to develop more sensitive and accurate sensors for better tracking and interaction within the AR environment. Foundries will see increased orders as the production scale of AR glasses expands.
In healthcare, surgeons could use AR glasses to view real – time patient data and 3D models of organs during operations, leading to more precise procedures and better patient outcomes. In industrial settings, technicians can rely on AR glasses for real – time data overlays and step – by – step guidance for complex repairs and maintenance tasks, enhancing productivity and reducing errors. In the education sector, AR glasses can create immersive learning experiences, allowing students to visualize complex concepts and participate in virtual simulations, making learning more engaging and effective. In the entertainment and gaming industry, AR glasses can revolutionize the way users interact with digital elements, offering a more immersive and interactive experience.
As the technology continues to evolve and the market matures, AR glasses are likely to overcome their current challenges. With more investment in research and development, cost – reduction measures, ecosystem building, and user education, AR glasses have the potential to transform not only the technology landscape but also various aspects of our daily lives and industries.
Related Topic:
