AI Wearables Struggle to Move Beyond Experimental Phase

By Priya Anand

The Google Pixel Watch 5, a recent entrant in the wearable technology market, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by AI-infused devices. Despite advancements in features like AI coaching and health monitoring, the integration of these technologies into daily life remains limited, according to a report by The Verge.

Google acknowledges the limited penetration of wearables, with only about 30% of consumers regularly using such devices. The company is focusing on wrist-worn devices like the Pixel Watch 5 and Fitbit Air, citing usability and privacy concerns as barriers to broader adoption.

While Google envisions a multi-device AI ecosystem, including glasses and rings, the current focus remains on smartwatches. The Verge notes an existential frustration in the market, as diverse AI wearables exist but fail to deliver a cohesive, privacy-conscious experience.

Supporting data from Counterpoint Research indicates that Edge AI-capable smartwatches, which perform AI tasks locally, grew by 70% year-over-year in Q1 2026, yet Apple dominates this market with a 90% share. This suggests limited competition in local AI execution among non-Apple devices.

Forecasts by Gartner predict that by 2027, 30% of smartwatches will include on-device AI functionality. By 2028, the wearables market is expected to reach 644 million units, with $90 billion in spending. However, current user engagement remains low, with only about half of U.S. adults using wearables daily, and data sharing with clinicians is under 20%.

While the future of AI wearables shows potential for growth, the current reality is fragmented, with low user engagement and modest clinical integration.