Alibaba has officially launched its Quark AI Glasses in China, marking a significant entry into the burgeoning market of AI-powered wearable technology. The move positions Alibaba against competitors like Meta, Xiaomi, and Rokid in the race to dominate the smart wearables sector.
The Quark AI Glasses come in two primary models: the flagship S1 and the lightweight G1. Each model offers three different variants. The S1 model, starting at ¥3,799 (approximately $536), boasts dual micro-OLED displays and is designed for all-day functionality. It features a dual-chip architecture, combining a Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 chip for AR tasks and a BES2800 chip for audio processing. The G1 model, with a starting price of ¥1,899 (around $268), prioritizes everyday wearability, weighing just 40 grams and foregoing the display. Both models are deeply integrated with Alibaba's Qwen large language model and the newly launched Qwen App, enabling AI assistance via voice commands or touch controls.
The Quark AI Glasses are designed to provide intelligent, hands-free assistance for daily life, combining voice input, visual understanding, and contextual awareness. Users can activate the AI assistant by saying "Hello Qwen" or using touch controls on the frame. Key features include real-time translation, instant price recognition, text and image-based Q&A, near-eye navigation, meeting note generation, smart reminders, and location-aware assistance. The glasses also seamlessly integrate with Alibaba's ecosystem, including services like Alipay, Taobao, and Amap. They also support popular Chinese music streaming services such as QQ Music.
A notable feature of the S1 model is its swappable dual-battery system, which Alibaba claims can provide up to 24 hours of continuous use. The S1 also excels in imaging, supporting 0.6-second instant photo capture, smooth 3K video recording, AI-enhanced 4K output, and strong low-light performance. The G1 model shares the S1's core hardware, except for the display, offering premium audio, imaging, and AI capabilities in a lighter form factor. Both models support the standard MCP protocol, allowing third-party developers to create AI-powered applications for the platform.
According to an IDC report, the global wearables market is experiencing growth, with 136.5 million units shipped in Q2 2025, a 9.6% year-over-year increase from Q2 2024. China remains the largest market, driven by strong local brands and consumer demand for new form factors. Alibaba's entry into this market reflects a broader industry trend of embedding AI into everyday environments, creating a more natural interface between digital and real-world tasks.
The Quark AI Glasses are currently available for purchase on major Chinese e-commerce platforms like Tmall, JD.com, and Douyin, and are being rolled out in partner optical stores across 82 cities in China. While there is no confirmed date, a global rollout is planned for 2026, starting with select markets in Asia and Europe.
Alibaba's foray into AI glasses signifies its ambition to lead in AI-driven consumer tools and capture a significant share of the growing wearables market. The company is investing heavily in AI, with a three-year CNY380 billion (USD53.7 billion) investment plan. The launch of the Quark AI Glasses, integrated with the Qwen AI model, marks Alibaba's first step from digital screens into the physical world.
