Optics Technologies Trends for the Next Generation of Smart Glasses

The optics used in augmented reality (AR) play a significant role in developing devices with acceptable weight, battery life and form factor. There have been several notable product announcements in the past 12 months, including Meta’s Ray Ban Display in September 2025, and there are expected releases from Snap, Google, and others in 2026. Across these developments, a consistent theme is an emphasis on eyewear that prioritizes conventional style and wearability, with technology integrated as subtly as possible. Waveguides play an important role in enabling this approach, supporting both the aesthetic requirements of fashionable glasses and the functional demands of AR display systems.

There are a wide range of waveguide technologies and substrate options available supported by a diverse global ecosystem of suppliers. This talk will discuss how technology and material decisions are shaping the outlook for the adoption of different waveguide architectures and optical substrates in future smart glasses.