Thomas Alsop
Research expert covering the global hardware industry
AI in consumer technology - statistics & facts
The age of artificial intelligence (AI) has arrived in our homes, in our hands, and across multiple realities. No longer just a buzzword, AI now acts as the brains powering the next generation of consumer technology. AI PCs are helping to supercharge productivity and security, while AI smartphones are redefining everything from images and communication to real-time language translation. While less ubiquitous, augmented reality (AR) smart glasses are also looking toward AI, allowing for more responsive, immersive experiences thanks to on-device intelligence. And the direction of travel isn’t stopping: a host of new AI-powered gadgets are coming to market, led by AI market leaders that are actively developing a new generation of AI devices.
The rapid rise of AI in PCs and smartphones
The AI PC market has entered a period of substantial growth, fueled by the integration of dedicated neural processing units (NPUs) and a surge in on-device AI features. Injecting a new lease of life into the PC market, over 114 million AI PCs were forecast to be shipped in 2025, accounting for a 40 percent share of PC shipments. NPUs as AI accelerators have also proliferated the smartphone market, contributing to the growing number of AI smartphones entering the market. Powered by market leaders like Apple and Samsung, alongside rising Chinese stars such as Xiaomi and Transsion, adoption is surging. As a result, users now have access to a range of AI features directly on their smartphone device. And these features are available across a range of entry points, from flagship models to mid-range options, meaning AI smartphones are becoming increasingly accessible to a broader audience.Intelligent realities and real-world assistants
Beyond more traditional devices, the rise of AI is also revolutionizing the extended reality (XR) market. The latest AI smart glasses from the likes of Meta feature real-time translation, gesture-controlled navigation, and immersive overlays that seamlessly integrate digital intelligence into the real-world environment. AI here helps to personalize experiences, enabling responsive environments across gaming, healthcare, education, and retail. With major tech firms, including Apple, Google, and Samsung, also exploring the combination of AI and AR in small form factors, such AI devices are only set to become more prominent.AI-infused consumer hardware as a growing trend
Meanwhile, a new wave is mounting: several technology companies have introduced alternative AI devices, albeit with mixed results. For example, the Rabbit R1 is a compact device that uses an OpenAI model to answer user questions, while Humane developed the AI Pin before being acquired by HP. OpenAI bought Jony Ive’s AI hardware startup io and aims to create a screen-free device. Meanwhile, Amazon acquired Bee AI, a startup that makes a wearable device, similar to a Fitbit, equipped with AI.AI fueling an intelligent device revolution
AI is transforming consumer technology, from AI PCs and smartphones that are driving new growth in their respective markets through to XR with AI-powered AR glasses offering immersive, intelligent experiences. And as giants like Meta, Apple, and OpenAI innovate rapidly, a new era of AI devices now looms.Thomas Alsop
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Jul 25, 2025
Thomas Alsop
Research expert covering the global hardware industry
