Core Insights - Apple plans to launch its first AI smart glasses by the end of 2026, with prototype testing expected to be completed by the end of this year [1] - The AI glasses will feature functionalities similar to Meta's Ray-Bans and Google's Android XR glasses, with a more affordable price point and portability [1] - The AI glasses market is experiencing significant interest, with related stocks in the A-share market attracting attention from investors [1][5] Product Development - Apple's smart glasses will include a camera, microphone, and speaker, enabling various functions such as phone calls, music playback, real-time translation, and navigation [2] - The processing chip for the smart glasses is based on the Apple Watch's chip, designed for lower energy consumption compared to components used in iPhones, iPads, and Macs [2] Patent Landscape - Apple has over 290 publicly disclosed patent applications related to AI glasses, with more than 60 granted patents focusing on display technology, user interfaces, and human-computer interaction [3] - Meta has a strong patent portfolio in the AI glasses space, with over 300 disclosed applications and more than 80 granted patents [3] Market Trends - The global sales of AI smart glasses are projected to reach 600,000 units in Q1 2025, representing a 216% year-on-year increase, with an expected total of 5.5 million units sold in 2025 [4] - The compound annual growth rate for AI glasses sales is anticipated to reach 97.4% over the next six years [4] Industry Dynamics - The AI glasses supply chain is becoming increasingly integrated, with domestic companies focusing on optical, chip, sensor, and AI technologies [5] - Key players in the supply chain include companies specializing in optics, chips, and assembly, such as Mingyue Optical, Crystal Optoelectronics, and Goertek [5][6] Collaboration and Partnerships - Doctor Glasses has partnered with various brands for its smart glasses business, while Lens Technology is collaborating with Rokid for comprehensive assembly solutions [6] - The performance of the system-on-chip (SoC) is critical for user experience, accounting for approximately 30% of the total product cost [6][7] Technological Advancements - The Qualcomm AR1 chip, currently using a 4nm process, is a popular choice among manufacturers, with an updated version expected in 2025 [7] - Domestic chip manufacturers are emerging with competitive products, providing diverse options in terms of size, performance, and power consumption [7]