On October 20, the International Data Corporation (IDC) released a new market survey report indicating that global smart glasses shipments reached 4.065 million units in the first half of 2025, a year-on-year increase of 64.2%, showing steady growth momentum. Driven by AI technology, supply chain optimization, advances in optical solutions, and ecosystem development led by major tech players, the industry is entering a rapid growth phase. With continued innovation in product form and the expansion of application scenarios, smart glasses are expected to become the next-generation human-computer interaction interface, injecting new vitality into the consumer electronics market.

IDC forecasts that by 2029, global smart glasses shipments will exceed 40 million units. The market share of China will continue to rise, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 55.6% from 2024 to 2029—ranking first globally.

However, the global MR headset market is currently going through a period of shipment decline, largely due to Meta’s product update cycle, as well as the lack of attractive consumer products to stimulate market growth.

In China, overall sales are also under pressure. Against this backdrop, local manufacturers are actively exploring growth pathways through commercial applications. Leading brand Pico has already achieved large-scale deployment in small and medium-sized LBE (Location-Based Entertainment) VR projects. Meanwhile, split-type MR devices—offering lighter wearing comfort and more competitive pricing—are emerging as a promising market opportunity, with brands like vivo and Apple expected to launch such products in the future.

Currently, in China’s VR market, commercial (B2B) shipments account for over 50%, making it a key industry pillar. Companies such as HTC, DPVR, and Pimax continue to expand across multiple sectors including large-space VR installations, education and training, military use, cultural tourism, and industrial simulation, while accelerating overseas expansion to seek new growth.

At the same time, facing pressure in the consumer market, companies like DPVR and HTC are consolidating their VR commercial business while also launching lightweight glasses product lines, aiming to reach a broader consumer base with new product forms.