Global Scans · Wearables · Weekly Summary

• [New] Smart glasses technology is accelerating at a rapid pace with an expected 60+ million extended reality (XR) wearable devices sold annually by 2035. Thought Leadership
• [New] The IDC Worldwide quarterly wearable device tracker and the IDC Worldwide augmented and virtual reality headset tracker conclude that companies that can deliver seamless, always-on assistance through a pair of glasses that people want to wear will define this decade's computing transition. ComputerWeekly.com
• Enterprises across Germany, Japan, and China are deploying IoT sensor networks, wearable biometric devices, and predictive analytics platforms to simultaneously monitor environmental hazards and workforce health in real time. MarkNtel Advisors
• In 2026, expect more brands to speak the language of regulation: low-stimulation travel, nervous-system-friendly workplaces, somatic classes, trauma-informed retreats, rest rituals, sound therapy, and wearable data that tries to reduce stress rather than create another performance scoreboard. Fit Global Life
• Expect fewer new Quest models and longer refresh cycles, with R&D investment flowing toward glasses and wearable form factors. Tech Insider
• Wearable Data is projected to account for 38.0% share in 2026 because activity and engagement feeds can be collected more often than lab results. FactMr
• The South Korean report confirms that Samsung's Android XR-powered wearable, the Galaxy Glasses, will also be introduced. Tech Advisor
• Cheating in exams could be magnified by the new generation of wearable hi-tech devices such as smartglasses or invisible earpieces, according to England's qualifications watchdog. The Guardian
• Key Opportunity - Telehealth physical therapy platforms represent the highest-growth opportunity, with CMS extended reimbursements, AI-guided exercise programs, and wearable motion-tracking technologies enabling scalable, geographically unrestricted access beyond traditional clinic networks. Persistence Market Research
• Apple is planning to release its first AI-focused wearable - a pair of camera-equipped AirPods - in late 2027. Fortune
• The older Apple Watch variants may not support some of the latest watchOS features and health sensors, or they may run into battery issues well before they reach five years of use, but they will still offer a basic wearable experience, including support for health tracking, notifications, and apps. BGR
• Near-eye display shipments, mostly adopted in wearable XR (extended reality) devices such as VR headsets and AR smartglasses, will be rising in the coming years and reach near 60 million by 2030. Omdia
• North America is expected to witness the highest growth rate of 22.1% due to the widespread adoption of advanced consumer electronics, such as smartphones and wearable devices, which rely heavily on wireless charging technologies. Polaris
• Asia-Pacific is projected to register the fastest growth due to large-scale textile manufacturing ecosystems and increasing smart wearable demand in China, Japan, South Korea, and India. openpr
• Global wearable device shipments are expected to reach 614 million units in 2026, up from 591 million in 2025. Sahha
• In 2026, earwear is expected to ship 382.40 million units (382,400 in 1,000 s), taking 39.33% of total wearable shipments. Bayelsa Watch
• Wearable ultrasound technology has the potential to enable continuous prenatal monitoring and improve pregnancy outcomes in ways that were previously not possible. SciTechDaily
• Sophisticated Neural Interfaces: Neural interfaces that include BCI/BI and BMI such as implants or wearable electronics remain areas that has made numerous application opportunities for BCIs to beb discovered. PubMed Central (PMC)

Last updated: 27 July 2026