Chinese companies accelerate launch of AI glasses, intensifying competition in the AI glasses market

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As AI technology continues to mature, the AI era is upon us. Following last year’s trend, 2025 is expected to see the release of even more AI-powered eyewear products. The integration of AI and AR technologies, which began last year, is set to flourish further by 2025. There are also rumors that Apple’s smart glasses will be released by the end of 2027. The competition among big tech companies to emerge victorious in the AI war is intensifying.

“AI” was a highlight of CES 2025, and AI smart glasses were one of the focal points of attention. Companies such as Vuzix, Rokid, Goertek, and RayNeo unveiled new AI glasses incorporating micro-LED technology. The TCL RayNeo X3 Pro model was announced to enter mass production in the second quarter.

On June 26, Xiaomi held a new product launch event in Beijing. The announcement of Xiaomi’s new AI smart glasses is sure to have sent shockwaves through Ray-Ban Meta.

Xiaomi AI Glasses (Source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi AI Glasses (Source: Xiaomi)

Xiaomi’s AI glasses are a product aimed at becoming “the next generation of personal smart devices.” They are smart glasses that do not include a display and are operated by voice and touch, supporting voice calls, photo shooting, and video recording. The basic model starts at $280 (1,999 yuan), and the high-end photochromic model is priced at up to $420 (2,999 yuan). The directly competing product, Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, starts at $299.

Compared to Meta glasses, Xiaomi glasses are superior in terms of hardware specifications, such as the camera sensor (equipped with a 12-megapixel IMX681 sensor), and the frame weighs only 40 grams, which is lighter than Meta’s 48 grams. The battery life is also longer, with Xiaomi offering 8 hours, which is twice as long as Meta’s. However, a weakness lies in the lack of an application ecosystem for connecting and sharing with social content platforms like Facebook or Instagram. Nevertheless, Chinese companies are expected to address these technical and functional shortcomings, and competition in the AI glasses global market is likely to intensify further.

Namdeog Kim, Senior Analyst at UBI Research(ndkim@ubiresearch.com)

▶UBI Research’s Micro Display Reports