Suppliers are ramping up AR optics investment ahead of a potential 2026 launch
Apple may not have officially announced its much-rumored smart glasses yet, but their expected arrival is already sending ripples through the industry.
That’s according to a new report from DigiTimes, at least, who suggest Apple’s rumoured plan to enter the glasses market by late 2026 is influencing how suppliers—particularly in Taiwan—are allocating resources, expanding capacity, and prioritising research and development.
While demand for smart glasses from existing players such as Meta is steadily increasing, the industry reportedly views Apple as the primary catalyst for large-scale commercialisation.
In anticipation of Apple’s requirements, multiple companies across Taiwan’s optical supply chain have reportedly increased capital expenditure and shifted focus toward AR-specific technologies.
The expectation is that Apple’s entry won’t just add another product to the market, but fundamentally change volumes, standards, and pricing across the sector.
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The ripple effect
One of the clearest examples is Kinko Optical, which has opened a new AR, VR, and MR research centre backed by an investment of around $5.6 million.
According to the report, Kinko is currently the only Taiwanese company developing both nanoimprint optical waveguides and optical engines simultaneously—two components considered critical for modern AR glasses. Joint development projects with customers are expected to begin in 2026, aligning with the rumoured launch window for Apple’s first-generation smart glasses.
Kinko isn’t alone. Asia Optical is said to be accelerating development across AR, VR, and metalens technologies, including a partnership with Singapore-based MetaOptics to co-develop metalens solutions.
Elsewhere, JMO Corp. has already entered AR glasses supply chains, while Aiimax Innovation has completed metalens samples that are now undergoing brand certification.
Preparing for battle
What’s notable here is how early this shift appears to be happening. Apple’s product is still unannounced, yet its influence is already shaping investment decisions and technical roadmaps. This mirrors patterns of previous Apple categories, in which the promise of scale, tighter integration, and long-term demand encourages suppliers to move early.
With Samsung also confirming plans to launch AR glasses in 2026, the next two years are shaping up to be pivotal for smart glasses. If Apple enters the space as expected, it could help stabilize supply chains, reduce component costs, and accelerate the transition of smart glasses from niche devices to a more mainstream wearable category.
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