2025: The Year of Smart Glasses in China

In the realm of smart wearables, smart glasses, which combine fashion and technology, are gradually transitioning from concept to reality, poised to become an integral part of future life. The most successful product in this category to date is undoubtedly the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, a collaboration between Meta and Ray-Ban. Shortly after their release, these glasses became a global sensation due to their stylish design and powerful AI capabilities.

Industry Consensus: 2025 as the Breakthrough Year for Smart Glasses

There is a growing consensus within the industry that 2025 will mark the breakthrough year for smart glasses. Numerous companies are gearing up to make significant moves in this field. For instance, Alibaba's Tmall Genie team has recently merged with the Quark team to explore new hardware directions, including AI glasses. This article will provide a simple prediction of which companies may enter the AR/AI smart glasses market this year.

Xiaomi and Huawei: Leading the Charge

Xiaomi and Huawei, companies with extensive experience in hardware technology products, are expected to make significant strides in the smart glasses market.

In November 2024, multiple industry reports indicated that Xiaomi is actively preparing for the launch of a new generation of AI glasses in collaboration with GoerTek. These glasses are anticipated to feature advanced AI capabilities, audio modules, and camera modules, directly competing with Ray-Ban Meta. The expected release date is in the second quarter of 2025, likely during the April米粉节 (Mi Fan Festival).

Lei Jun, the founder of Xiaomi, has high expectations for the market performance of these AI glasses, predicting sales of over 300,000 units. The product will be released under Xiaomi's own brand, further expanding its presence in the smart wearable market.

Xiaomi has a wealth of experience and technological expertise in the smart wearable sector, having successfully launched multiple popular products such as smart watches and fitness bands. The company has also been heavily invested in AI research and development since 2016, with its large language model MiLM recently passing the large model filing process. This model is expected to be gradually applied to Xiaomi's cars, smartphones, and smart home products, and may also be integrated into Xiaomi's AI glasses in the future.

Huawei is no stranger to the smart glasses market. In May 2023, Huawei released the Huawei Smart Glasses 2, which run on the HarmonyOS4 operating system and are integrated with Huawei's PanGu AI large model.

The initial version of Huawei's smart glasses already supports a range of intelligent features, such as weather and schedule voice announcements, Bluetooth connectivity, heart rate monitoring, and health reminders. However, despite the integration of the AI large model, the product still falls into the category of a "premium but not particularly useful" tech gadget, functioning more as a simple audio glasses device.

To compete effectively with existing players in the market, Huawei is expected to release a new product. Huawei has been researching smart glasses for seven years, holding over 100 patents, with more than 20 related patents filed in 2024 alone. These patents cover technologies such as eye-tracking, trifocal lenses, quick-swap temples, quick-swap lenses, frame antennas, and adjustable temples.

In terms of AI chips and algorithms, Huawei's self-developed Ascend series AI chips offer outstanding performance and energy efficiency, capable of providing AI computing power for smart glasses to support complex tasks like image and voice recognition. The company's PanGu AI large model also provides additional support.

Given Huawei's extensive experience in the smart wearable market and its ability to create an all-scenario smart ecosystem, it is conceivable that Huawei's future smart glasses could seamlessly connect with smartphones, tablets, and smart screens. Users might be able to directly control applications on their smartphones or tablets through eye-tracking and gesture recognition technologies, as the company already holds relevant patents.

VIVO: A Strong Contender

VIVO, a domestic smartphone manufacturer, is also a likely candidate to launch smart glasses this year.

On November 30, 2023, Meizu joined the smart glasses race by launching the MYVU AR smart glasses brand, releasing the MYVU Explorer Edition and MYVU, two all-day fashionable AR smart glasses. Meizu also challenged traditional AR vendors, stating that AR manufacturers without smartphone support would not see the future.

This move by Meizu has set an example for other traditional smartphone brands and provided a clear direction for similar companies. VIVO may be one of them.

Recently, there have been numerous discussions within the industry about VIVO's preparation for the mixed reality field. It is reported that the company's MR team now has 500 members, and the MR product may be launched by the end of 2025 or as late as 2026.

However, compared to MR, VIVO's layout in the smart glasses field is even earlier. In 2019, VIVO released AR glasses that looked similar to regular glasses, supporting dual-screen异显 (dual-screen display) and 6DOF technology. By connecting to a 5G smartphone via a Type-C cable, the glasses could enable mobile office, AR gaming, and 3D high-definition video functions.

Clearly, VIVO's AR glasses in 2019 were also just smartphone accessories, requiring the use of smartphone applications. In a similar smartphone + AR glasses model, VIVO also collaborated with Rokid, combining the vivo X100 Ultra smartphone with Rokid Max and Rokid Max2 to provide users with a new spatial computing experience, including spatial photo albums and 3D content experiences.

If VIVO wants to launch a new smart glasses product this year and secure a place in the market, these features alone are not enough. In August 2023, VIVO applied for a smart glasses patent involving gesture recognition and eye-tracking functions. By capturing and analyzing hand movements and gaze positioning, smart glasses can achieve more convenient interactions, such as switching interfaces and controlling applications, potentially operating independently of smartphones to provide a unique smart glasses user experience.

As Meizu pointed out, traditional smartphone manufacturers have unique advantages in the smart glasses field, such as AI systems, product ecosystems, cost-effectiveness, and fashion design. For smartphone manufacturers like VIVO, establishing an independent smart glasses product line is indeed a strategic direction worth considering.

Traditional Eyewear Companies: A Promising New Entry

Traditional eyewear companies like博士眼镜 (Dr. Glasses) are also a promising "new entry" in the smart glasses market.

In the AR/AI glasses field, Dr. Glasses has already established numerous partnerships and can be considered a star among traditional eyewear manufacturers. From Star纪魅族 (Star纪Meizu), Lebird Innovation, to XREAL, Jiehuan, and Li Wei Ke, ROKID, these major players in the smart glasses industry all have close合作关系 (cooperative relationships) with Dr. Glasses.

Given this, if Dr. Glasses were to independently develop a smart glasses product, it would have significant advantages.

Firstly, in terms of industry experience and channel networks, Dr. Glasses has already surpassed most emerging smart glasses companies. With a deep understanding of the design, production, and sales of eyewear, Dr. Glasses can better integrate the strengths of traditional glasses with the innovative functions of smart glasses in research and development. Additionally, Dr. Glasses has a nationwide store network covering multiple provinces and autonomous regions, enabling rapid market penetration of smart glasses.

Moreover, the technological research and development experience in the smart glasses field gained from cooperation with numerous tech giants will also provide strong technical support and innovation momentum for Dr. Glasses' potential smart glasses development.

Not to mention that in aspects such as vision correction, appearance design, and customized services for smart glasses, traditional eyewear manufacturers like Dr. Glasses are more likely to gain consumer favor once they personally enter the market with their own products.

Similar manufacturers include Yashine Glasses. At the Shenzhen International Eyewear Expo in December 2024, Yashine Group signed a smart wearable 5S strategic cooperation agreement with D朋VR (D朋VR), Star纪魅族, and Puleisi, aiming to jointly promote the development of smart wearable devices. Coupled with Baodao, Baoshida, BOLON, and other well-known eyewear brands that have started to collaborate with smart glasses manufacturers, it may only be a matter of time before they launch their own products.

Manufacturers like GoerTek, Luxshare, and Foxconn: Potential New Players

Manufacturers like GoerTek, Luxshare, and Foxconn, which are important players in the high-tech manufacturing industry, also have a significant possibility of launching their own smart glasses brands in 2025. Given the current industry dynamics and company development trends, this possibility is quite substantial.

GoerTek, in particular, has deep technological expertise in the smart wearable device field, especially in AI + display smart glasses. At CES 2025, GoerTek showcased the Mulan2 and Wood2 smart glasses, which are not only lightweight in design but also integrate various intelligent functions such as music playback, call answering, and message notifications.

In addition, GoerTek has achieved remarkable success in microelectronics, sensors, and acoustic technology, providing strong support for smart glasses research and development.

Currently, GoerTek has collaborated with numerous well-known companies, participating in the development and manufacturing of various smart glasses, accumulating rich market experience. Notably, as previously mentioned, GoerTek has partnered with Xiaomi to launch a new AI glasses product in the second quarter of this year. This collaboration not only helps GoerTek further enhance its technological level and market influence but also increases the likelihood of the company launching its own brand of smart glasses.

In addition to GoerTek, Luxshare also possesses strong technical capabilities in the smart wearable field, especially in acoustic products and AR/VR intelligent devices.

The company has comprehensive industrial chain integration capabilities, enabling efficient manufacturing from components to accessories, components, and complete machines. Last year, Luxshare, in collaboration with the Southeast University team and Nanjing Parallel World Technology Co., Ltd., officially launched the AR glasses "YunQue," which features independently developed polarization holographic waveguide technology. Compared to traditional AR glasses, it offers higher display brightness with a 300% increase in light efficiency. At the same time, manufacturing costs have been reduced by 60%, and the weight is lighter, only 45 grams.

As domestic leading manufacturing enterprises, both GoerTek and Luxshare have already participated in the development of smart glasses products. Foxconn is also not far behind and has begun to make strategic deployments.

On December 24, 2024, Foxconn announced that it would join forces with Porotech to enter the AR glasses market. According to the cooperation agreement, Foxconn will accelerate its strategic layout in AR and Micro LED and plans to establish a Micro LED wafer fabrication line in Taichung, with mass production expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Perhaps this year, we will see AR glasses equipped with Foxconn's new Micro LED technology hit the market.

With the continuous development and application of AI and display technologies, domestic precision manufacturing companies led by these firms will increasingly participate in the manufacturing process of smart glasses.

Alibaba, ByteDance, and Tencent: Tech Giants Poised to Enter

When it comes to domestic tech giants, Alibaba, ByteDance, and Tencent are undoubtedly key players. These companies' extensive experience in cloud computing, big data, and AI technology provides a solid foundation for entering the smart glasses market.

According to the latest news, Alibaba's Smart Internet Business Group has recently been officially merged into the Smart Information Business Group, managed by President Wu Jia. In this integration, the Tmall Genie hardware team and the Quark product team have begun to operate jointly, focusing on the planning and capability integration of new-generation AI products.

The merged team will explore new hardware directions, including AI glasses. This move aligns with the current heated trend in the AI glasses market. At the beginning of this year, Alibaba Cloud also reached a cooperation with the AR brand Lebird Innovation RayNeo, providing exclusive customized Tongyi large model support for its AI glasses.

Now, Alibaba Smart Internet is using Quark to layout AI glasses and integrate Tongyi capabilities. Although there have been changes in the core team, the combination of AI and hardware is a unique advantage for the company in the smart glasses race. It is only a matter of time before Alibaba launches its own AI glasses brand.

ByteDance has already achieved some success in the VR field, with its VR brand PICO launching the MR (mixed reality) all-in-one machine PICO 4 Ultra last year, marking a new breakthrough in PICO's MR technology.

Now, as AI glasses become the next battleground in the AI wave, ByteDance certainly won't miss the opportunity to compete in this field. On January 3, 2025, Securities Times disclosed that ByteDance is quietly assessing the feasibility of an AI glasses project. The recent launch of the mass-produced AI shooting glasses, Flash "Papai Mirror" A1, by domestic startup Flash Technology, which supports access to ByteDance's Doubao large model, indicates that ByteDance has already begun its AI glasses layout.

In addition, everyone must remember that ByteDance acquired the open-ear headphone brand Oladance last year, achieving 100% ownership. The addition of Oladance complements ByteDance's audio短板 (shortcomings) and, combined with the company's existing Douyin content ecosystem, Doubao and Coze's AI capabilities, as well as its accumulated optical display technology in the VR field, ByteDance's AI glasses are expected to bring a pleasant surprise to the industry this year or a bit later.

Of course, Tencent cannot be overlooked. In recent years, Tencent has made a series of deployments in the smart device field, launching multiple smart hardware products such as smart speakers, smart door locks, and smart cameras. As an important component of smart wearable devices, AR/AI smart glasses are naturally within Tencent's consideration.

In the XR industry, Tencent has experienced both successes and failures. Early attempts to acquire PICO failed against ByteDance, and subsequent efforts to collaborate with Meta to introduce the Quest 2 also fell through, with the XR business line undergoing internal adjustments and staff departures shortly after its establishment. It is evident that for Tencent, which lacks a hardware基因 (gene), starting from scratch to develop hardware or acquiring hardware teams from the outside faces significant challenges.

However, Tencent has a vast user base and content resources in social networking and gaming, which can provide rich application scenarios and content support for smart glasses. Therefore, it is more likely for Tencent to collaborate with hardware manufacturers to develop smart glasses.

As early as 2022, Tencent invested in Beijing Fengniao Technology, an AR glasses manufacturer in Xiaomi's ecosystem. With the "century battle" of smart glasses already underway, if Tencent does not enter the market, it will be left far behind by Baidu, ByteDance, Alibaba, and other major players.

More Listed Companies and Startups: The Next Wave of Entrants

AI/AR smart glasses will undoubtedly be a fiercely competitive "blue ocean" market in 2025. With traditional smart glasses vendors leading the way and Baidu and other tech giants entering the market first, more and more companies will join the race like a school of fish crossing the river.

As previously predicted, communication giants, domestic smartphone manufacturers, traditional eyewear companies, precision manufacturing enterprises, and internet giants are all potential players in the AI/AR glasses market. In addition, some listed companies and startups may also join.

For example, 360. Last year, Zhou Hongyi, the founder of 360 Group, followed the tech fashion trend and experienced VR driving at Oriental Fashion, sparking industry speculation about 360's layout in intelligent driving. Smart glasses can display real-time data such as navigation information, vehicle status, and road condition warnings directly in the driver's field of vision, effectively integrating with intelligent driving. Zhou Hongyi, who keeps up with the trend, may indeed join the market.

Furthermore, some suppliers in the upstream of the industry chain, such as Jingwang Electronics and Huansheng Electronics, are actively exploring and pre-researching application solutions for AI smart glasses. Breaking it down further, the core industry chain links of AI glasses include SoC chips (system-on-a-chip), memory chips, cameras, acoustic components, batteries, PCBs (printed circuit boards), and assembly, involving companies in these areas may all participate in the research, manufacturing, and sales of smart glasses products.

This article only provides a simple prediction of the companies that may join the smart glasses race this year. Some have already revealed specific plans, while others are mostly speculative. However, regardless of the outcome, 2025 will surely see more companies joining, adding new fuel to this already heated market.