Optics Industry News Roundup — August 2026
Lenses & AR Optics: Waveguides Enter “Mass-Production”, Lens Leaders Post Solid Results
AR waveguides entered their “mass-production”. In H1 2026, multiple players raced toward million-unit capacities: Zhigang Technology targeted 1 million SRG waveguides; AAC Technologies planned million-unit SRG lens capacity; Nikka Optics launched a million-unit VHG automated line; Lipai Guangjing targeted 1 million geometric waveguide modules. YUNZHAN Optoelectronics further disclosed full process validation for its “Cicada Wing” D1025 2D array waveguide. Waveguide-based AR glasses market share rose from 18% to 42% year-over-year
Smart Glasses: RayNeo iO Ignites Consumer Market, AI Glasses Go Daily
RayNeo launched the “human-enhanced AI glasses” RayNeo iO on August 21. Weighing just 34g, the product features a magnesium-aluminum front frame and titanium alloy temples, drops cameras and speakers to prioritize all-day wearability, and supports 0–1000° prescription lenses with self-developed Blue Lake waveguide optics. Priced from ¥1,996 after subsidy, it topped multi-platform smart glasses sales charts upon debut. RayNeo shipped 150,000 AR glasses in H1 2026, ranking No.1 globally for four consecutive quarters and No.1 in China for five consecutive quarters
Exhibition Preview: CIOE 2026 Approaching
The 27th China International Optoelectronic Expo (CIOE 2026) will be held September 9–11 at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, gathering over 4,000 optoelectronic companies from more than 30 countries and regions. The exhibition covers eight themed zones including information communications, precision optics, lasers, and infrared sensing. Registration opened in August