Apple destroyed the mid-tier watch market. Now it’s coming for the $200 billion eyewear industry. Apple is planning to enter the global eyewear market, estimated at $200 billion, by targeting the mid-tier segment previously disrupted by its own Apple Watch in the watch market. The company aims to leverage its brand, design, and iPhone integration to compete with established eyewear companies. However, Meta currently leads the smart glasses market and has a significant head start.

• Apple’s entry into the eyewear market aims to replicate its disruption of the traditional watch industry, which saw significant revenue drops for companies like Swatch and Fossil.
• The company plans to compete in the $200-$500 segment of the $200 billion global eyewear market, targeting incumbents like EssilorLuxottica and Warby Parker.
• The first Apple glasses are codenamed N50, with a planned launch at the end of 2027, potentially evolving into health devices with augmented reality capabilities.
• Meta currently dominates the smart glasses market with over seven million Ray-Ban smart glasses sold in 2025 and holds a substantial market share.
• Apple’s delay in launching its glasses gives Meta more time to expand its user base, retail presence, and data collection, while also benefiting from broader consumer excitement.
• High-fashion luxury eyewear brands are not expected to be significantly impacted, similar to how Apple’s entry did not affect the luxury watch market. Continue reading https://thenextweb.com/news/apple-smart-glasses-eyewear-market-disruption-watch-playbook