How AI Is Driving Wearable Tech As The Future Of Personal Computing

InnovationAIHow AI Is Driving Wearable Tech As The Future Of Personal ComputingByFrancis Sideco,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Tech/Strategy executive advisor focused on all things techfor Tirias ResearchFollow AuthorJun 03, 2026, 07:54pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Meta Ray-ban AI glasses are on display in San Francisco, California, July 12, 2025. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)Gado via Getty ImagesPersonal computing has long been the foundation of today’s technology-centric world. Starting with the first desktop computers introduced in the 1970s, the primary personal computing device used by consumers has transitioned multiple times over the years, with the smartphone currently holding that spot since the late 2000s. However, that could soon change with AI and the continuing evolution of wearable devices such as smart and augmented reality glasses. Increasing Demand for Wearable TechnologyWhile smartphones will continue to do the heavy lifting for mobile compute and memory intensive applications, wearables are continuing to improve in capability. Consequently, more of the day-to-day use cases and primary user interfaces (UI) are not only becoming more supportable with wearable form factors, but in some cases even preferred. This shift is starting to become evident in a subset of wearables, such as both smart glasses and AR glasses. For smart glasses, this is due largely to developments in smart glasses capabilities from companies such as Meta Inc., which currently holds a commanding share of the market. However, recently, AR glasses have become a focus for much of the industry, with various predictions having the nascent AR glasses market increasing by over 10x by the end of the decade. These predictions are being driven by announcements such as Specs Inc’s recent agreement with Qualcomm to power future gene...