Smart glasses drive next wave of growth as wearables market shifts beyond the wrist

The global wearables market is entering a new era, with smart glasses emerging as the standout growth category as traditional wrist-worn devices reach a more mature phase.

According to Futuresource Consulting’s Global Wearables Market Outlook 2025, innovation is accelerating beyond the wrist, signalling a shift in how consumers interact with connected technologies.

While global shipments of wrist-worn devices are still expected to grow—rising 4.8% in 2025 to nearly 210 million units, with retail value up 5.2%—the real dynamism lies in the next generation of form factors.

“The story in 2025 is one of nuanced evolution, not frenetic explosion,” says Nikolaos Tzoumerkas, Lead Analyst at Futuresource. “Smartwatches and sports watches are still part of the equation, but smart glasses are redefining what a wearable can be.”