Smart glasses spark new wave, as wearables market shifts focus

The global wearables market continues to expand in all directions, but its centre of gravity is shifting. Futuresource Consulting’s new Global Wearables Market Outlook 2025 report reveals that while wrist-worn devices are entering a new phase of maturity, a fresh surge of innovation is emerging in smart glasses. This category is growing at pace, and reshaping how consumers think about connected technology ecosystems. 

According to the report, global wrist-worn shipments are forecast to rise 4.8% in 2025, achieving nearly 210 million units, with retail value climbing 5.2%. Yet the real momentum lies in the next generation of form factors.  

“The story in 2025 is one of nuanced evolution, not frenetic explosion,” says Nikolaos Tzoumerkas, Lead Analyst at Futuresource Consulting. “Smartwatches and sports watches are still part of the equation, but smart glasses are redefining what a wearable can be. They’re merging lifestyle, health and connectivity in entirely new ways, and consumers are sitting up and paying attention.” 

The new vision for wearables

Futuresource expects smart glasses to ship 2.6 million units in 2025, up from 1.6 million the year before, marking one of the fastest-growing segments in consumer electronics. Led by Meta’s partnerships with Ray-Ban and Oakley, success lies in pairing fashion with function. The category is being reshaped, with lightweight eyewear that integrates cameras, AI assistants and connectivity to deliver real-time, hands-free interaction with style. 

“Fashion collaborations and ecosystem integrations have absolutely transformed public perception,” says Tzoumerkas. “Elegant design has become the bridge between technology and trust, and smart glasses are no longer seen as niche gadgets. They’re lifestyle products that people actually want to be seen wearing.” 

How the wrist is rewriting its role 

Smartwatches is still the largest wearable category by some way, accounting for 94 million units in 2024 and continuing steady growth at around 8% annually. Apple leads, with 48% of the global market, bolstered by the success of the Series 11 and Ultra 3, as well as new FDA-cleared health features such as hypertension alerts. 

Meanwhile, sports watches are finding their footing with AI-driven adaptive coaching, using real-time biometric feedback to tailor training and recovery recommendations. As Chinese brands such as Huawei, Xiaomi and Amazfit are consolidating their reach in developing markets, Garmin, Suunto and Polar continue to dominate the performance segment in the West. 

The next digital layer, connected by design

With the evolution of wearables, integration across devices is becoming seamless. Smartwatches, glasses and mobile devices are converging into a connected ecosystem that supports real-time interaction and personalised insights. The rise of on-device AI processing is also transforming user experiences, enabling faster responses, improved privacy and lower power consumption. 

An intelligent, elegant future for wearables

“Wearables are now the digital portal to a much larger connected environment,” says Tzoumerkas. “With smart glasses gaining ground and AI moving to the edge, the next wave of growth will be defined by connected intelligence, effortless integration and elegant design.” 

About Futuresource Consulting 

Futuresource Consulting is a leading research and consulting firm, providing in-depth analysis and strategic insights across technology, media and consumer electronics.  

Press Contact: Nicola Finn, Marketing Manager, Futuresource Consulting, nicola.finn@futuresource-hq.com