Perhaps all that comes to mind when you hear about wearable tech is fitness trackers, smartwatches or even high-tech clothing. But interestingly, eyewear could actually become the next frontier in this fast-growing industry. Statista says the global eyewear market has already hit $170 billion and could expand to $300 billion by 2029, presenting a great opportunity for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios.
In another place, Fortune Business Insights predicts it could grow from $181.75 billion in 2025 to $285.44 billion within the next few years, translating to a 6.7% CAGR. This is clear proof that what was once a vision aid or fashion statement is quickly transforming into a multifunctional tech platform. And the change is not just about sleek, smart glasses for everyday consumers.
Even industrial and professional applications, where safety glasses are being improved with technologies like AI, are also part of this. With these upgraded glasses, workers can stay safe while still receiving important information without needing to look away from the task at hand—an innovation that’s opening doors for enterprise-level investment.
And as heavy hitters like Apple, Meta and Google step into this ring, you want to know how eyewear could actually become the next frontier in wearable tech investing.
AI and AR are creating real-world use cases
It’s almost impossible to think of one industry where artificial intelligence is not making inroads. And, expectedly, things haven’t been any different in eyewear. Experts are integrating it into safety glasses to improve functionality and safety in different industries. A good example is the Lucyd Armor, a ChatGPT-enabled smart safety eyewear launched by Innovative Eyewear, Inc.
With these glasses, professionals in different environments, like logistics and medical, can enjoy improved communications and awareness in the workplace. Lucyd Armor meets the ANSI Z87.1 standard, which ensures eyewear is strong enough to protect your eyes from work-based hazards like chemicals or dust.
Then there’s VisionAR, which is among the first AR safety glasses to be tested and certified with EN166 F and ANSI Z87.1+ standards for industrial use. Reports have it that it passed high-demanding stress and optical quality tests, such as impact tests at speeds ranging from 162km/h to 684km/hr. It offers:
- Great integration with prescription glasses
- Improved protection
- Great adaptability to a user’s face
Plus, the latest eyewear from companies like Xreal (formerly Nreal) uses computer vision and AI to overlay real-time directions, translations and so on. This can be handy for watching TV and playing flat-screen games. For investors, this real-world functionality means more potential revenue across multiple industries.
Big tech is betting on smart glasses
Well, eyewear technology is not new. For those who remember, Google’s X Development (formerly Google X) launched Google Glass in 2013 – a technology that seemed ahead of its time. It displayed information to users through a head-up display and allowed them to communicate with the internet through natural language voice commands.
Its initial prototype was sold to qualified ‘Glass Explorers’ in America on April 15, 2013, before being made public on May 15, 2014. A few years later, two Enterprise Editions succeeded the prototype, and sales were suspended in 2023.
But now that connectivity is faster and consumers are far more open to wearable tech, the tech giant is circling back with fresh approaches. It recently partnered with Samsung and Qualcomm to launch the Android XR, an operating system expected to power headsets and smart glasses.
Other brands, including Meta and Ray-Ban, have not been left behind. The two companies collaborated on the launch of the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses in late 2023. The glasses offer features like an HD camera, open-ear speakers and a capture button for taking photos and videos.
They also support voice commands and can be used for live streaming on platforms like Instagram. The Meta AI app allows users to view, share, and save captured media, customize voice controls, etc.
Apple, too, is rumored to be working on its set of smart glasses under the codename ‘N401’ and is targeting a 2026 or 2027 launch. These glasses are expected to rival Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses and could come in two versions:
- One with AR capabilities
- Another without
Because of these advancements, Grand View Research thinks the global smart glasses industry has already hit $1.93 billion and expects it to expand by a CAGR of 27.3% by 2030. For any serious investor, this is a trend to watch.
Is it worth investing now?
According to statistics, 90% of the 300,000 eye injuries yearly can be avoided by wearing the right eye protection. This is one reason tech companies have been turning to technologies like AI to develop more effective eyewear that can help address some of these challenges.
To prove that this is a worthy cause, almost everyone is welcoming this trend. As a result, the entire eyewear industry has been making significant strides, opening new opportunities for investment. Since this trend could continue, many investors may turn to it in the coming days.
