Tech industry trends show rising smartphone costs and smart glasses growth

The premium smartphone market is seeing a significant price escalation. High-end models like the iPhone 18 Pro and Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra are now priced around 1,450 euros. Foldable devices have pushed costs even higher, with the iPhone Duo starting at 2,339 euros and reaching up to 3,839 euros, while Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 8 series starts near 2,000 euros.

Simultaneously, the smart glasses market is experiencing rapid growth, with global sales increasing by 263% in the first half of 2026. This growth is driven largely by screenless augmented reality (HUD) models, which account for 96% of shipments. Meta currently dominates this niche with its Ray-Ban Meta glasses, holding a 94% market share in the screenless segment.

Industry reports suggest Apple may enter the smart glasses market at WWDC 2027. Their initial offering is expected to focus on audio and camera capabilities guided by Siri AI, rather than visual augmented reality, integrating directly with the iPhone ecosystem.