A new report from Smart Analytics Global (SAG) projects big growth in the AI smart glasses market in the years ahead. And Apple Glasses, in part due to three expected strengths, are believed to be a key driver of that growth.

New report projects big growth ahead in AI smart glasses

Smart Analytics Global’s new report calls for 2026 to be a breakout year for AI smart glasses. It projects sales volume to grow from 6 million units in 2025 to 20 million in 2026.

But that growth is expected to accelerate further when Apple Glasses debut:

Apple’s expected entry around 2027 could mark a major inflection point, combining strong industrial design, fashion appeal, and ecosystem integration to accelerate mainstream adoption.

The three strengths of Apple Glasses expected by SAG include:

 ●industrial design

 ●fashion appeal

 ●ecosystem integration

Essentially, these are the three core components that have marked one of Apple’s other major wearable products: the Apple Watch.

Apple’s industrial design team has reportedly undergone significant turnover since the Apple Watch launched, with Chief Design Officer Jony Ive and many of his long-time associates leaving the company.

However, Apple hardware design has maintained its strong reputation despite those internal shakeups.

Another interesting detail from SAG’s report is that even looking long-term, the firm believes glasses will “co-exist with smartphones rather than replace them.”

By 2030, it’s predicted that smart glasses will reach 75 million units annually, with HUD (heads-up display) models becoming the best sellers from 2028 on.

For more on the latest Apple Glasses rumors, here’s an overview of rumored features.

Source: 9to5mac