Omni Talk Retail Are Smart Glasses Ready for a 2026 Breakthrough? | Fast Five Shorts
Dec 6, 2025
A McKinsey report predicts a breakthrough for smart glasses in 2026, yet skepticism looms. Chris and Anne debate the future of smart eyewear, with concerns over fashion visibility and practicality. Anne argues that style and tech adaptation pose significant challenges for mass adoption. Chris shares his own experience with Ray-Ban Meta glasses, calling them more of a novelty than a necessity. They caution fashion brands to tread carefully in tech partnerships, warning about risks related to markdowns and dependency.
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Market Forecast And Early Sales Signal
- McKinsey predicts smart glasses could break through in 2026, with wearables growing ~9% annually through 2028.
- Ray-Ban Meta was already top-selling in 60% of Ray-Ban's EMEA stores by Q3 2024, signaling strong early retail traction.
Focus On Existing Capabilities
- Avoid stretching beyond current capabilities; focus on using existing resources to support wearable customers.
- Offer simple accessory services (like engraving) or integrations you already do rather than full tech partnerships.
Visibility Limits Mass Adoption
- Smart glasses are more visible and socially sensitive than watches or rings, making mass adoption harder.
- Adoption likely requires modular tech that fits into users' preferred frames without changing appearance.