Introduction

In a striking shift within the tech landscape, augmented reality (AR) glasses from China are experiencing explosive growth, while Apple’s Vision Pro headsets are floundering in sales since their launch in February.

Sales Comparison

The latest data from CINNO Research reveals that AR headset sales in China are projected to leap by 25% this year, anticipating a total of 284,000 units sold, which translates to an expected market value of CNY 700 million (approximately USD 96 million).

In stark contrast, Apple has reported global sales of around 300,000 Vision Pro headsets, with a mere 10,000 of those units sold in China. Experts attribute the lackluster performance of Apple’s offerings to its steeper price point, exceeding CNY 30,000 (about USD 4,100), alongside criticisms surrounding a subpar user experience and a limited content ecosystem.

Market Leaders

Runto Technology analyst Wang Zixin suggests these factors significantly hinder widespread adoption.

On the other hand, RayNeo emerges as the frontrunner in China's booming AR glasses market, leading sales according to Runto's analysis. Furthermore, Xiaomi's smart audio headsets have skyrocketed to popularity in recent months, while ByteDance's PICO VR headsets hold the top position in the virtual reality sector.

Promotional Impact

The surge in consumer-grade AR glasses sales was particularly pronounced in November, fueled by aggressive promotional campaigns on e-commerce giants like JD.com and Douyin, as well as government subsidy initiatives that lowered prices and stimulated consumer interest. Industry analyst Zhou Hua highlights that these developments have had a crucial impact on sales momentum.

Future Trends

Looking ahead, the next trend in smart glasses is expected to focus on devices incorporating cameras capable of capturing short videos and enhancing outdoor sports experiences.

While these camera-equipped headsets are already enjoying popularity abroad, they are just beginning to gain traction in the Chinese market.

Challenges for Manufacturers

Manufacturers face significant challenges in creating these advanced products, including the need for weight reduction, maintaining battery life, and ensuring effective heat dissipation. Additionally, higher computing power, sophisticated AI functionalities, and seamless multi-modal interaction will be required to meet consumer expectations.

New Entrants and AI Integration

Next year will see the introduction of new entrants like Baidu’s Xiaodu AI glasses and Rokid headsets, paving the way for a fresh wave of camera-enabled smart glasses, anticipated to gain momentum by 2025.

Moreover, the push toward integrating generative AI into smart glasses is identified as a major trend. Currently, less than 20% of smart glasses on the Chinese market incorporate AI features reliant on voice commands and mobile device support. However, this figure is expected to surge to over 60% in the coming year, according to Runto Technology’s insights.

Future of Smart Glasses

In the future, smart headsets may evolve to operate with greater autonomy, reducing reliance on external computing devices. With built-in AI processing capabilities, they could provide proactive services anywhere, anytime—a tantalizing glimpse into the next era of technological innovation.

Conclusion

Stay updated as we track the rise of AR technology and the ongoing battle between giants like Apple and dynamic Chinese innovators in this rapidly evolving market!