Smartphones have dominated our digital lives for over a decade. But now, a new player is trying to enter the stage — AR glasses. From tech enthusiasts to business leaders, many are watching this trend closely. This article looks deeply at how AR glasses compare with smartphones across usage, adoption, growth, and behavior trends. If you’re in tech, retail, marketing, or product design, this piece will help you understand where the future might be heading. Let’s dive in.
1. Global smartphone users surpassed 6.9 billion in 2023
Smartphones are everywhere. With nearly 7 billion people using one, the smartphone is the most widely adopted personal technology device ever. This massive reach is what gives it so much power — and why it’s so hard for new tech to compete.
For businesses, this means mobile-first is not optional. If your product, service, or content isn’t optimized for smartphones, you’re missing out on nearly the entire global market.
From app developers to marketers, everyone needs to prioritize mobile UX and speed. AR glasses have a long way to go before they reach even a fraction of this audience.
But here’s a tip — think about how your mobile experience today could evolve into spatial experiences tomorrow. Start experimenting with AR features through smartphones (like WebAR or social media filters) so you’re ready to transition to glasses when adoption picks up.
2. AR glasses market is projected to reach $33.1 billion by 2027
While AR glasses are still in their early days, the projected growth is big. From around a billion-dollar industry today to over $33 billion in just a few years, this is a steep climb.
This kind of growth doesn’t happen by accident. It’s driven by improvements in hardware, better design, more apps, and broader consumer awareness.
But it’s also being fueled by industries like healthcare, retail, and logistics, which are using AR glasses for training, assistance, and real-time data visualization.
If you’re a startup or innovator, look at where this adoption is starting — enterprise. There’s real money in building tools for workers, not just consumers. If you’re building apps, think about use cases like warehouse logistics or hands-free instructions.
These niches may not be sexy, but they’re incredibly valuable — and easier paths to monetization than chasing the general consumer market early on.
3. 85% of the global population owns a smartphone
Let that sink in. Eighty-five percent of all people on Earth own a smartphone. That’s the scale any new device has to compete with. AR glasses might be cool, but they’re not in most people’s hands — or on their faces — yet.
For marketers and product teams, this is a reminder to not get distracted by the hype. Yes, AR glasses are coming, but your audience is still on mobile. Don’t take your eye off delivering for that massive base.
Optimize websites for mobile, test in low-bandwidth settings, and make sure every interaction feels great on a small screen.
For future planning, consider how this massive base could act as a gateway to AR glasses.
Can your mobile app become the control hub for a paired AR device later? Thinking ahead like this can help you future-proof your product strategy.
4. Only about 1 million AR glasses units were sold in 2023
While smartphones sell over a billion units per year, AR glasses moved just a tiny fraction — around 1 million units in 2023. That’s niche. It means we’re still very early in the game.
This low number can actually be a good thing for innovators. Early markets mean less competition and more room to experiment. But it also means limited customer feedback and smaller communities.
If you’re developing for AR glasses, prepare for a slow burn. Build for quality, not scale.
For brands, it’s too early to expect a return on investment from AR glasses alone. Instead, use them for brand building and early adopter engagement. Think in terms of R&D, not revenue — at least for now.
5. Smartphone adoption rate grows at ~2% annually
Smartphone growth is slowing down — but it’s still growing. Two percent might not sound like a lot, but when you’re dealing with billions of users, that’s millions of new users every year.
This is great news for mobile-first businesses. It means there’s still room to grow, especially in developing markets where many people are getting their first smartphones. That’s where the next wave of digital products will come from.
If you’re building for mobile, consider how to localize your product for these new users. Think about language support, offline access, and even support for older devices. These details can help you grow faster in untapped markets.
6. AR glasses market CAGR is projected at 38% from 2023 to 2030
This compound annual growth rate is steep. At 38%, it signals strong investor and developer interest, and rapid acceleration. While it started slow, AR glasses are now scaling up fast.
That kind of growth attracts startups, big tech, and even governments. It also signals opportunities for patent protection.
If you’re inventing anything in this space — whether it’s hardware, software, or interaction models — now’s the time to file for intellectual property. Protecting your IP can give you leverage as the market grows.
Another tip: track the growth rate in your specific niche. Not all AR use cases will grow equally. Enterprise may outpace consumer for a while, and gaming may grow differently than healthcare. Go where the traction is.
7. Average smartphone screen time is over 4.8 hours per day
People are glued to their phones. Almost five hours a day is spent on these devices — and it’s not all productive. A lot of it is scrolling, swiping, watching, and playing.
This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it means people are highly engaged. On the other, it creates fatigue — and that’s where AR glasses might help.
By putting digital content in the real world, AR glasses promise more natural, less screen-heavy interaction.
If you’re a content creator or app developer, think about how to reduce friction and screen overload. Can you take your key features and bring them into the physical world with AR?
Even doing that through the phone today (with ARKit or ARCore) helps you get ready for glasses tomorrow.
8. AR glasses users typically engage for under 45 minutes daily
People don’t wear AR glasses all day. Right now, most users wear them for less than an hour per day — and often in bursts.
That’s partly because of battery life, partly because of comfort, and partly because the use cases just aren’t sticky yet.
This short usage window means your app or content needs to deliver value fast. Don’t build long-form content. Focus on utility, speed, and simplicity. Think real-time directions, quick info overlays, or immersive learning bursts.
Another tip — measure how long people are actually using your AR experience, and optimize around that data.
Just like mobile apps evolved based on engagement time, AR apps will need to be designed for short, impactful moments.
9. Over 90% of internet users access the web via smartphones
Smartphones are not just for social media or games — they are the main gateway to the internet for most people. Over 90% of users browse, shop, read, and watch online content right from their phones. That’s huge.
If your website or platform isn’t mobile-optimized, you’re cutting yourself off from almost your entire audience. It’s no longer just about being “mobile-friendly” — you need to design mobile-first.
That means faster loading times, simpler interfaces, and layouts that adapt perfectly to smaller screens.
For AR glasses, this stat is a wake-up call. Glasses aren’t replacing smartphones overnight — instead, they’ll slowly integrate into this ecosystem. So, if you’re building for AR, make sure the experience complements mobile use.
For example, you might create a mobile app that pairs with glasses for configuration or display control.
10. Less than 1% of internet users access content via AR glasses
Despite all the buzz, AR glasses haven’t cracked mainstream internet use.
Less than 1% of users access online content through AR wearables today. That’s not surprising — the devices are expensive, limited in features, and not widely available.
But this presents a unique opportunity for first-movers. If you can create useful, interesting, or game-changing AR content, you’ll be standing out in a space with almost no competition.
Think about offering early experiences like guided tours, hands-free tutorials, or in-person event overlays.
Also, start building SEO-friendly AR content. Yes, that’s a thing. Google is increasingly indexing 3D models and interactive content. Having AR-ready content can give you an early advantage in search discoverability as the hardware catches up.
11. 70% of smartphone users shop via mobile apps
Mobile shopping is massive. With 7 in 10 users buying things from their phones, ecommerce has clearly gone mobile. Retailers have responded with optimized apps, push notifications, and one-click payments — making buying easier than ever.
For AR glasses, shopping is still a work in progress. But there are hints of what’s coming: visualizing products in 3D, trying on virtual clothes, and scanning items in-store for instant info.
These experiences can feel magical when done right.
If you run a store or brand, start experimenting with AR through smartphones now. Use tools like Meta Spark, Apple’s Quick Look, or Shopify’s AR viewer.
These will lay the groundwork for AR glasses shopping in the future. Plus, they boost sales right now by improving the customer experience.
12. Only 5% of AR glasses usage involves e-commerce
Compared to the 70% shopping rate on smartphones, AR glasses are still barely touching e-commerce.
Only 5% of their current usage includes shopping activities. That’s partly due to limited app support, but also because most people don’t associate glasses with buying — yet.
This will change, but slowly. The best opportunity right now lies in immersive retail demos, guided in-store navigation, or product visualization. If you’re in retail, this is your chance to pioneer new shopping experiences that make buyers say “wow.”
One suggestion — focus on high-involvement purchases like furniture, cars, or luxury goods. These are areas where customers benefit from seeing things in their environment before buying.
AR glasses will eventually offer hands-free, in-store experiences that are more seamless than mobile screens.
13. Smartphones account for over 50% of global digital ad spend
Most digital ad dollars now go to mobile. Why? Because it works. With billions of daily users, advertisers know they can reach people effectively on their phones. Social media, search, video — it’s all driven by mobile clicks.
AR glasses, meanwhile, haven’t broken into this market yet. But imagine the future of advertising when digital overlays are visible right in the real world. That billboard you walk past might show a personalized message.
A store window could greet you by name.
If you’re in advertising, start thinking spatial. Begin testing AR ad formats now, even if they’re smartphone-based. Platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok already offer AR ads.
Master these tools so you’re ready when the format shifts to glasses.
14. AR ad spend is growing 20% year-over-year
Even though it’s still a tiny part of the overall ad market, AR advertising is growing fast — around 20% annually.
This is driven by major platforms offering AR lenses, branded filters, and interactive experiences that feel more immersive than static ads.
Marketers should be leaning into this. AR ads tend to have higher engagement and recall because they’re fun and feel like play. Whether it’s a gamified experience, a virtual try-on, or a branded world lens, these formats stand out.
Use this moment to experiment. Test AR ads with small campaigns, measure ROI, and refine. As more devices support AR natively — including future glasses — you’ll be ahead of the curve and ready to scale.
15. 1 in 3 people check their smartphone within 5 minutes of waking
Smartphones are the first thing people touch in the morning. That’s a level of emotional and behavioral connection few products achieve. People check messages, news, and notifications before they even get out of bed.
AR glasses aren’t there — yet. They’re not part of the sleep-wake routine, largely because they’re not comfortable to wear for long periods or while resting. But the long-term vision of ambient computing includes always-available devices that don’t require pockets or hands.
If you’re designing for AR glasses, don’t expect the same behavior patterns as smartphones — at least not right away. Focus instead on making your product useful during active times of day: work, travel, or play.
16. AR glasses user retention is under 30% after 6 months
This is a big red flag. Most people who try AR glasses stop using them within six months. That’s due to several issues: poor battery life, limited apps, uncomfortable hardware, and unclear value.
If you’re developing for AR glasses, user retention should be your number one goal. Forget flashy features — focus on daily usefulness. Can your app solve a real-world problem better than a phone? Can it integrate into someone’s routine without friction?
A good starting point is creating utility experiences: real-time translations, guided instructions, live navigation. These have staying power because they help people do something faster or better.
17. Over 3.5 billion smartphones shipped in the last 5 years
That’s more than 3.5 billion smartphones shipped worldwide since 2019 — a staggering number that shows just how essential these devices have become. We’re not just talking about new users either.
Many of these are upgrades or replacements, which speaks to how quickly mobile technology is evolving.
This pace is why smartphones continue to dominate. Their refresh cycle ensures newer features reach the masses fast — better cameras, processors, and AR capabilities. AR glasses can’t compete on that scale yet.
So, what does this mean for businesses? Don’t just build once and forget. You need to iterate constantly, keep pace with smartphone capabilities, and always consider how your app or service runs on the newest devices.
And for AR innovators — consider integrating with smartphones instead of trying to replace them outright. Use the smartphone as a powerful processor or display companion to support AR experiences while AR glasses catch up.
18. AR glasses shipments remain under 10 million units cumulatively
In contrast to smartphones, AR glasses have only shipped under 10 million units in total — ever.
That includes all consumer and enterprise models over the past decade. It’s a tiny number, which makes clear how early the market still is.
This low base creates two paths: one for risk-takers, and one for patient builders. If you’re early to this space, you can define the standards. Think back to the early days of mobile apps — whoever moved first in categories like maps, messaging, or fitness ended up dominating.
But don’t expect mass traction right away. Focus on solving specific problems for specific groups.
Whether it’s mechanics, field workers, or gamers — niche focus beats general ambition in this stage of the game.
19. 78% of smartphone users use their device for gaming
Gaming is a massive driver of mobile engagement. Nearly 4 out of 5 smartphone users play games — whether it’s casual puzzle games or complex multiplayer titles. That’s why so many top-grossing apps are games.
AR glasses have barely tapped this potential. While immersive AR gaming sounds exciting, very few titles exist today, and hardware constraints still limit graphics, controls, and battery life.
If you’re in gaming, start small. Build companion games that mix smartphone screens with head-worn overlays. Think Pokémon Go-style mechanics, but with deeper physical integration.
As AR glasses improve, you can scale those concepts into full AR titles. Meanwhile, use mobile gaming to build your audience and test what experiences translate well into spatial play.
20. Only 12% of AR glasses users engage in gaming
Compared to the 78% of mobile users who game, only 12% of AR glasses users play games. Why? Mostly because the games aren’t there. Developers haven’t fully committed to the platform, and the experiences that do exist are limited by hardware or motion sickness.
This isn’t a failure — it’s a sign of opportunity. If you’re a game studio, you can become a pioneer in AR-native gaming.
Build short, low-friction experiences that take advantage of movement, location, and context. Focus on mechanics that feel natural in the real world.
Also, consider the social aspect. Gaming on glasses could be amazing in shared spaces — think scavenger hunts, collaborative puzzles, or multiplayer exploration.
The key is designing for the strengths of the medium, not just porting over mobile mechanics.
21. 95% of AR glasses are tethered or depend on smartphones
Most AR glasses today aren’t standalone — they rely on a phone for processing power or connectivity. This dependency limits their mobility, but it also creates opportunities for hybrid experiences.
If you’re designing for AR, embrace the tether. Use the phone as a brain, a controller, or a backup display. Apps that seamlessly sync between phone and glasses will create smoother user experiences.
This also means that existing mobile platforms and SDKs are your friend. Build your AR app to run well on phones first, then extend it to glasses. This dual-path approach reduces risk and ensures your app is usable now — and future-ready.
22. 68% of smartphone users replace their device every 2–3 years
Smartphones have a short life cycle. Most users replace them every 2 to 3 years, which keeps manufacturers innovating and gives users a reason to keep upgrading.
This rapid turnover is what drives high engagement and keeps mobile ecosystems vibrant. Apps get better. Cameras improve. New sensors get added. That’s part of what’s missing from AR glasses right now — the upgrade cycle isn’t there yet.
As a developer or business, it’s wise to treat smartphones as a fast-moving platform. Regularly update your mobile experiences. Use new sensors and APIs when they become available.
With AR, plan for longer life cycles. Users might keep their AR glasses for five years — so make sure your app runs well across versions and doesn’t depend on constant hardware refreshes.
23. AR glasses replacement cycles average 4–5 years
Unlike smartphones, AR glasses don’t get replaced often. Most users stick with a pair for 4 to 5 years.
That’s partly because they’re expensive, and partly because the improvements between versions aren’t huge yet.
This means if you’re building for glasses, you can’t rely on hardware improvements to fix your problems. You need to optimize for what exists today and expect it to stay in users’ hands for years.
Battery management, low-lag interfaces, and lightweight designs matter more than ever.
Also, consider accessories or modular upgrades as part of your strategy. Can your AR product be enhanced without needing a full device swap? That kind of thinking fits well with slower hardware cycles.
24. 87% of Gen Z owns a smartphone; only 2% own AR glasses
Gen Z is the most connected generation yet — nearly all of them own smartphones.
But very few, just 2%, own AR glasses. This highlights just how early AR adoption still is, especially among the most tech-savvy age group.
If you’re building for Gen Z, don’t ditch mobile just yet. But you can start planting AR seeds. This generation loves personalization, self-expression, and experiences. Think about AR features that let them remix the real world — like filters, lenses, or spatial stories.
Use social media platforms to introduce these concepts in a playful, accessible way. When glasses eventually catch on, they’ll already be primed to engage with AR content — and maybe even expect it.
25. 55% of smartphone users have used AR via apps (e.g., Snapchat)
AR isn’t new — it’s just mostly been on phones. More than half of all smartphone users have already used AR in some way, often through social apps like Snapchat, Instagram, or TikTok. That’s great news for AR developers.
This existing behavior means your users don’t need to be educated from scratch.
They already understand the basics of how AR works. You just need to build on that foundation and shift the platform from phone to face.
Think of smartphone AR as the training wheels for AR glasses. If you’re building a business, design experiences that work well on mobile AR but are ready to move to glasses when the time is right. This dual compatibility ensures you’re delivering value now and later.
26. Only 10% of AR glasses users use third-party AR apps
While lots of AR glasses come with built-in features, only 10% of users install third-party apps. That’s a sign that the app ecosystem is still weak.
Discoverability, UX, and incentives aren’t strong enough yet to make people explore beyond defaults.
If you’re a developer, this is a signal to focus on friction. Make onboarding incredibly smooth. Ensure your app integrates tightly with the device’s core functions.
And most of all, give users a clear reason to try your app — whether it’s saving time, having fun, or learning something new.
Consider working directly with manufacturers too. Partnerships can help you get pre-installed or better placement in native app stores — which makes a big difference in a space where visibility is still a big hurdle.
27. Smartphones generate over 80% of social media content
Nearly all content on social media — photos, videos, stories — is created on smartphones. The combination of portability, great cameras, and apps makes mobile the king of content creation.
For AR glasses to enter this space, they need to match or exceed that experience. That’s a tall order, but also an opportunity. Imagine content that’s more immersive, spatial, and hands-free.
That’s the promise of AR glasses — but it needs to feel effortless.
If you’re working in this space, think about tools that enhance content creation in real-world settings.
Consider gesture-based control, automatic video editing, or spatial storytelling formats. Make it fun and easy — and users will follow.
28. AR glasses generate less than 1% of social content
Despite their potential, AR glasses barely contribute to online content today — less than 1%. That’s mostly due to hardware limits: weak cameras, short battery life, and clunky controls.
If you’re a product designer or app builder, this is your blank canvas. Build the tools that help people create while moving through the world. Think hands-free blogging, point-of-view video, or 3D journaling.
There’s huge potential for glasses to reshape how we tell stories.
Also, look at integration. Can your AR app push content directly to Instagram or YouTube? Making publishing seamless could encourage more users to share what they experience in AR — and that drives awareness.
29. AR glasses battery life averages 2–3 hours; smartphones average 10+
Battery life is one of AR glasses’ biggest pain points. Most can only run for 2 to 3 hours on a single charge, while smartphones easily last 10 or more — and with heavier use.
As a developer, this means you need to be battery-aware. Keep background processes light. Minimize use of power-hungry features like real-time 3D mapping unless absolutely needed.
And consider offering low-power modes or quick actions that don’t require full activation.
You can also design around usage bursts. Think of AR as a “pop-in, pop-out” experience for now.
Use cases like glancing at a map, identifying a product, or following brief instructions fit better into the battery limitations of today’s devices.
30. Smartphone app ecosystem has over 8 million apps; AR glasses have under 5,000
Smartphones have had over a decade to build rich app stores with millions of options. In contrast, AR glasses have just a few thousand apps — and most are utilities or demos.
That means there’s room for pioneers. If you have an idea for a killer app, the competition is almost nonexistent. You can define a category. But to succeed, your app must do something that can’t be done better on a phone.
Start with use cases that play to the glasses’ strengths: heads-up data, spatial awareness, and hands-free input. Avoid trying to force mobile-style apps into AR — that rarely works. Build something native to the face.
wrapping it up
The battle between AR glasses and smartphones isn’t really a fight — it’s more like the passing of a torch, slowly and strategically. Smartphones are still the clear winner in terms of adoption, usage, and ecosystem maturity.
With billions of users and millions of apps, they’ve shaped how we live, work, and connect. But AR glasses are quietly building momentum.
