Xreal CEO says smart glasses industry nears profitability
Xreal founder Chi Xu stated that the company has improved margins and reduced marketing costs, with a goal of breaking even next year. The firm plans a commercial launch of its Aura glasses later in 2025 and an IPO before the end of 2026.
roadtovr.comChi Xu, founder and CEO of Xreal, said the smart glasses sector has reached a turning point after years of losses. He spoke at Google’s I/O conference in Mountain View, where he promoted the company’s Project Aura device. Xreal’s Aura model uses OLED displays inside the frames and connects to a separate puck-shaped computer.
Users can access an immersive Google Maps app, VR YouTube videos, hand-tracking games, and basic web browsing.
Commercial plans The glasses are currently available only to developers.
Xreal intends to begin selling them to the public later this year. Xu said the company has raised its gross margin and lowered marketing and sales costs. He stated that next year could be the first time Xreal breaks even. Xreal is also preparing an IPO expected before the end of 2026, though Xu provided no further details on timing or valuation.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- Last week
Chi Xu promoted Project Aura at Google I/O in Mountain View.
1 sourceTechCrunch - 2023
Meta and Ray-Ban released smart glasses that sold well.
1 sourceTechCrunch - Later this year
Xreal plans commercial launch of Aura glasses.
1 sourceTechCrunch - Before end of 2026
Xreal expects to complete an IPO.
1 sourceTechCrunch
Potential Impact
- 01
Xreal may begin selling Aura glasses to consumers later in 2025.
- 02
Xreal could complete an IPO before the end of 2026.
- 03
Xreal may reach break-even operations next year if margins continue to rise.
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