Wearable Market Jan 2026: Winners, Losers, and What to Buy

In 2024, pundits predicted that by 2026, we would all be wearing AI pins and living in the Metaverse. Now that we are actually here in January 2026, the reality is more nuanced. The “Revolution” didn’t happen overnight—instead, it fragmented.

While Smart Rings have successfully infiltrated the mainstream, the “Screen-Free” dream of AI Pins has faced harsh economic realities. In this analysis, we cut through the marketing hype to look at what is actually sticking in the wearable market versus what is fading away.

1. AR Glasses: XREAL 1S vs. The “Aura” Rumors

Two years ago, the XREAL Air 2 Ultra promised a lot. But the newly released XREAL 1S (launched at CES 2026) has finally delivered on the “all-day wearable” promise. By shaving off 15 grams and improving the Micro-OLED brightness, it has become the de facto monitor replacement for digital nomads.

However, the industry is holding its breath. Leaks surrounding Google’s re-entry into the space—codenamed “Project Aura”—suggest a deep integration with Gemini AI that could make current hardware obsolete by mid-year. For now, XREAL owns the market, but the competition is heating up.

2. The AI Pin Crash: What HP’s Buyout Means

Let’s be honest: The dream of the standalone AI Pin replacing your smartphone has stalled. The recent news of HP acquiring Humane’s assets marks the end of the “indie startup” era for this tech.

While the hardware was beautiful, the latency and heat issues were never fully resolved. Under HP, we expect these technologies to be integrated into enterprise badges rather than consumer fashion accessories. Meanwhile, rumors persist that Apple’s entry into this category won’t happen until 2027. For now, the “AI Assistant” is staying firmly inside your phone and earbuds.

3. Smart Rings: Not Just a Samsung World

When the Samsung Galaxy Ring launched, many thought it would kill the competition. That hasn’t happened. In 2026, smaller players have pivoted to survival strategies that are working:

• RingConn (Gen 2 Air): They have doubled down on battery life (14 days in our tests) and undercut Samsung on price, keeping them relevant for budget-conscious users.
• Ultrahuman: By focusing heavily on “Bio-hacking” features (glucose correlation, stimulant windows), they have captured the niche enthusiast market that finds Samsung’s health data too generic.

4. Haptics: Still for Gamers, Not for Everyone

We previously hoped haptic suits would enter the living room for casual media consumption. That hasn’t materialized. Devices like the bHaptics TactSuit remain excellent products, but they are strictly enthusiast gear.

The barrier to entry—putting on a heavy vest just to watch a movie—is too high for the average consumer. In 2026, haptics remain a powerful tool for VR immersion, but they are not the “lifestyle” revolution some predicted.

5. January 2026 Verdict: What to Buy

Based on the current unstable market, here is where you should put your money:

Conclusion: 2026 isn’t about new form factors; it’s about the survival of the fittest. Stick to established categories (Rings, Glasses) and steer clear of experimental AI hardware until the dust settles.