Alibaba is making its first major push into AI wearables, unveiling a device that slots directly into one of the fastest-growing hardware categories of the year.
The company introduces its Quark AI Glasses in China, marking its entry into a market that has more than doubled in global shipments during the first half of 2025, reports the South China Morning Post.
The launch includes two models: the flagship S1 and the lightweight G1, both powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon AR1 processor and Alibaba’s in-house Quark AI assistant.
Prices for the S1 start at 3,799 yuan, or about $537, with a dual-chip system designed for real-time translation, navigation, payments and hands-free Q&A. The G1 begins at 1,899 yuan and weighs just 40 grams, sharing the core hardware of the S1 but without the built-in display.
Alibaba is leaning heavily on its full ecosystem as a differentiator. The glasses come tightly integrated with Amap, Taobao, Fliggy and Alipay, allowing users to move through shopping, travel, and payment functions without switching devices. The company says it is working with outside partners such as QQ Music and NetEase Cloud Music to expand the experience.
Alibaba vice-president Wu Jia says the significance of AI glasses is now at par with smartphones for everyday users.
“AI glasses are the intelligent devices that truly usher in a revolution in human-computer interaction in the AI era. In this respect, their importance is no less than that of mobile phones.”
The devices entered presale in late October on China’s major e-commerce platforms, with no timeline yet for international release.
In September, Meta released a new range of AI-powered glasses at its Meta Connect conference. The new lineup includes the $799 Ray-Ban Meta Display with a full-color screen and camera, the $499 Oakley Meta Vanguard aimed at sports users, and a refreshed $379 Ray-Ban Meta line.
Zuckerberg called the devices a “huge scientific breakthrough” and said they will serve as a key platform for integrating Meta AI into everyday life.
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