Apple’s 2026 Smart Glasses Propel Optics Industry into Rapid Expansion
Apple’s anticipated entry into the smart glasses market in 2026 is already catalyzing significant shifts within the augmented reality (AR) industry. Suppliers are proactively adjusting their strategies, intensifying research efforts, and expanding production capacities to meet the expected surge in demand upon Apple’s product launch.
According to DigiTimes, the smart glasses sector has been steadily gaining momentum, primarily driven by products from companies like Meta. However, industry stakeholders perceive Apple’s involvement as the pivotal factor that will propel mass adoption. This anticipation has prompted several Taiwanese optics firms to escalate investments and redirect their research focus toward AR-specific technologies.
Kinko Optical, for instance, has inaugurated a new research center dedicated to AR, virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) with an investment of approximately $5.6 million. The company is concurrently developing nanoimprint optical waveguides and optical engines—a rare combination crucial for modern AR glasses. Joint development projects with clients are slated to commence in 2026, aligning with the anticipated timeline for major smart glasses launches.
Other suppliers are adopting similar strategies. Asia Optical is accelerating its work on AR, VR, and metalens products, having partnered with MetaOptics to co-develop metalens technology. JMO Corp. has already integrated into AR glasses supply chains, while Aiimax Innovation has completed metalens samples currently undergoing brand certification.
The competitive landscape is intensifying. Samsung has confirmed plans to launch AR glasses in 2026, with Apple expected to follow by the end of the same year. The entry of these tech giants is anticipated to lead to higher production volumes, more stable supply chains, and reduced component costs. This expectation explains why Taiwan’s optics sector is making early and aggressive moves to scale up operations.
