ABI Research predicts that shipments of no-display smart glasses will skyrocket from 679,004 units in 2024 to 15 million by 2030, marking a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 68%. This trend follows the trail blazed by Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have ignited interest in Augmented Reality (AR) over the past year.
Matilda Beinat, a research analyst at ABI Research, highlighted the significance of this development. “It became quite clear that the Meta Ray-Ban collaboration was going to create a big wave of interest for Extended Reality (XR) when we noticed them sold in local sunglass stores,” she explained. Beinat further noted, “We expect these glasses to be a consumer-first device, but their value can be expanded into the enterprise, especially considering training and guidance for the workforce.”
The market for no-display smart glasses extends beyond consumer use, with enterprise applications poised to benefit significantly. The integration of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) agent capable of understanding its environment and assisting users in their daily tasks could revolutionise productivity in the workplace.
Other tech giants are also entering the fray. Amazon Echo Frames, Xiaomi's concept smart glasses, and various other models are set to be unveiled in the coming year, indicating a growing trend towards wearable technology that combines functionality with fashion. These glasses not only represent cutting-edge technology but are also designed to be discreet, allowing wearers to engage with AI and AR seamlessly.
Beinat emphasised the transformative potential of these devices: “All in all, these AI-first, no-display smart glasses are a clear signal that we're stepping into a new era of everyday augmented experiences.” She believes this fusion of AR and AI will redefine our interactions with the world around us, enhancing productivity across numerous sectors.
As the market evolves, early adopters are likely to lead the way. Industry watchers are eagerly anticipating even more innovative advancements at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which promises to showcase the next generation of wearable technology. The rise of no-display smart glasses heralds a shift in how we perceive and engage with our environment, setting new expectations for the future of wearables.
