China’s smart glasses market goes mainstream, Lotu Technology (洛图科技) forecasts 3.2 million units in 2026

Rapid adoption and big numbers

It has been reported that Lotu Technology (洛图科技) released a new industry report showing China's smart glasses market has moved decisively from niche to mass consumption. Sales in 2025 reached 1.45 million units, a year‑on‑year jump of 211%, the report says. The firm predicts another sharp rise in 2026 to 3.2 million units — roughly a 120% increase — a sign the category has entered a “golden growth” phase.

What’s selling and why

The market is already diversified. Camera glasses led in 2025 with about 517,000 units sold, while AR glasses and audio glasses each exceeded 480,000 and 440,000 units respectively. Why the surge? Policymakers have chimed in: smart glasses were included in a national subsidy catalogue (国补目录), qualifying buyers for up to RMB 500 in support. At the same time, domestic optical modules and components have matured, pushing costs down and enabling lighter, longer‑lasting, and increasingly standalone devices.

AI, scenarios and supply‑chain politics

The report highlights tighter scene fit for different form factors: AI‑assisted camera glasses for smarter composition, AI‑augmented AR for navigation and recognition, and AI‑enhanced audio glasses for improved auditory experiences across sports, work and health scenarios. There is also a geopolitical dimension. Beijing’s subsidy push and the rise of local supply‑chain capabilities come amid broader tech tensions and export controls with the West — a backdrop that accelerates China’s drive for self‑reliance in consumer hardware.

This expanding base creates opportunities and questions. Will Western players find room in China’s growing but increasingly domestically supplied market? Or will local brands set the standard for the next generation of wearable displays? The answer will shape both consumer tech and cross‑border competition in the years ahead.