Meta Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg has described AI smart glasses as a transformational step in the evolution of personal technology. Speaking during the company’s quarterly earnings call, he said Meta is rapidly accelerating development of artificial intelligence-powered wearable devices and advanced AI models, signaling a long-term shift in how people interact with digital systems.
From Vision Correction to Digital Assistance
Zuckerberg compared the rise of AI smart glasses to the widespread adoption of traditional eyewear used by people with weak eyesight. He explained that just as glasses and contact lenses became essential tools for millions, AI-enhanced eyewear could soon become a natural extension of everyday life. According to him, the industry is approaching a moment similar to the early days of smartphones, when their potential was underestimated.
Parallels With the Smartphone Revolution
Drawing comparisons to the mobile phone transition, Zuckerberg recalled how flip phones were rapidly replaced once smartphones entered the mainstream. He suggested that within a few years, it may become difficult to imagine daily life without AI smart glasses. He believes these devices could redefine how users access information, communicate, and interact with their surroundings without relying solely on handheld screens.
Strong Sales Momentum at Meta
Meta’s confidence is supported by strong commercial performance. Zuckerberg revealed that sales of the company’s smart glasses tripled in 2025, indicating growing consumer acceptance. This momentum has positioned Meta as a leading player in the AI smart glasses market, with multiple models already available to consumers across different regions.
Lessons From the Metaverse Experience
Despite his optimism, Zuckerberg acknowledged that this is not the first time he has predicted a major shift in user behavior. In the past, he had envisioned people working, socializing, and attending meetings in the metaverse. That vision, however, failed to materialize at scale. Analysts note that this history adds a layer of caution to current expectations around AI smart glasses.
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Rising Industry-Wide Investment
Unlike earlier virtual reality ambitions, the current wave of AI smart glasses development is backed by massive investment across the technology sector. Companies are dedicating significant resources to hardware innovation, software integration, and artificial intelligence capabilities. This broader industry commitment suggests that AI-powered wearables may have a stronger chance of mass adoption.
Competition Intensifies Among Tech Giants
Meta’s early lead is unlikely to go unchallenged. Google is expected to introduce its own smart glasses in 2026, while Apple is reportedly planning a launch within the next one to two years. Meanwhile, Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, is establishing a dedicated subsidiary focused on augmented reality glasses, signaling growing competition in the AI smart glasses space.
Unexpected Players Enter the Market
Even companies traditionally focused on software are moving toward wearable hardware. OpenAI, which has largely avoided consumer hardware so far, is reportedly working on AI wearables. While not developing smart glasses specifically, the company is exploring products such as AI-enabled earbuds and compact AI pins, further expanding the wearable ecosystem.
Meta’s Current Market Advantage
At present, Meta maintains a clear advantage in the AI smart glasses market. Its products benefit from early deployment, real-world user feedback, and integration with Meta’s broader AI ecosystem. Industry observers note that this head start could prove critical as competition intensifies in the coming years.
A Future Still Taking Shape
While enthusiasm around AI smart glasses continues to grow, questions remain about whether they can achieve the same level of ubiquity as smartphones. Still, with strong sales growth, expanding competition, and heavy investment, wearable AI appears poised to play a central role in the next phase of consumer technology.
