The global wearables market is entering a new era, with smart glasses becoming the prominent growth category while traditional wrist-worn devices enter a more mature phase.
According to Futuresource Consulting’s Global Wearables Market Outlook 2025, innovation is accelerating beyond the wrist, signaling a shift in the way consumers interact with connected technologies.
While global shipments of wrist-worn devices are expected to continue to grow – up 4.8% in 2025 to nearly 210 million units, with retail value increasing 5.2% – the real momentum lies in the next generation of form factors.
“The story in 2025 is one of nuanced evolution, not a frantic explosion,” says Nikolaos Tzoumerkas, senior analyst at Futuresource. “Smartwatches and sports watches are still part of the equation, but smart glasses are redefining what a wearable can be.”
Futuresource predicts smart glasses will ship 2.6 million times in 2025, up from 1.6 million this year – making them one of the fastest-growing segments in consumer technology. Growth is driven by leading brands such as Meta, whose partnerships with Ray-Ban and Oakley combine fashion references with next-generation functionality.
Modern smart glasses now integrate high-quality cameras, AI assistants, connectivity tools and hands-free interaction into lightweight frames that look like everyday glasses. This shift – from gadget to fashion accessory – is helping to normalize technology among mainstream consumers.
“Fashion collaborations and ecosystem integrations have completely changed public perception,” says Tzoumerkas. “Smart glasses are no longer viewed as a niche technology. They are lifestyle products and consumers want to be seen wearing them.”
Smartwatches continue to dominate the wearables market with a share of 94 million units in 2024 and a steady annual growth of around 8%. Apple remains the global leader with 48% market share, driven by strong demand for the Series 11 and Ultra 3 as well as new FDA-approved health features, including high blood pressure detection.
Sports watches are undergoing their own evolution, powered by AI-driven adaptive coaching that uses biometric data to personalize training and recovery recommendations. While Chinese brands such as Huawei, Xiaomi and Amazfit continue to expand in developing markets, performance specialists Garmin, Suunto and Polar are maintaining their presence in Western countries.
One of the biggest changes highlighted in the report is the convergence of smartwatches, glasses and mobile devices into a seamlessly connected ecosystem. On-device AI is becoming increasingly central to the experience, improving speed, privacy and power efficiency while enabling more meaningful insights in real-time.
“Wearables are now the digital portal to a much larger connected environment,” says Tzoumerkas. “As smart glasses become more widespread and AI moves into the edge, the next wave of growth will be one of connected intelligence, effortless integration and elegant design.”
As consumers increasingly expect devices to combine functionality, aesthetics and cross-platform compatibility, smart glasses are set to become a defining product category of the next decade and usher in a new chapter for connected technology.
