MetaOptics ships metalens smartphone and AI glasses for evaluation
Singapore-based MetaOptics has begun distributing evaluation units of its metalens optical modules to manufacturers in Japan, Europe, and the Philippines.
MetaOptics ships metalens smartphone and AI glasses for evaluation
Singapore-based MetaOptics Ltd. Has begun shipping evaluation units of an AI-integrated smart glasses system and a 5G smartphone to prospective customers in Japan, Europe, and the Philippines. The shipment targets original design manufacturers, telecommunications operators and consumer electronics brands, allowing them to test glass-based metalens optical modules within their own development environments.
The company's metalens technology uses a single ultra-thin optical layer to replace traditional multi-element lens stacks. According to MetaOptics, this design allows for modules that are smaller, thinner and more heat-resistant than conventional optics. These components are produced using semiconductor processes on 4-inch and 12-inch platforms.
The 5G smartphone evaluation unit is powered by the Qualcomm Dragonwing QCM6490 platform. It features an ultra-thin metalens optical module that enables a bump-free back cover. The device includes a front-facing VGA colour camera for video calls and a non-contact metalens 3D biometric fingerprint module capable of detecting high-resolution 3D fingerprints through the display for touch-free authentication.
Separately, the AI smart glasses utilize the Qualcomm AR1 Snapdragon platform. These glasses feature a lightweight, sporty form factor intended for all-day wear and a compact colour metalens camera system that enables gesture-based control.
"Shipping evaluation units to customers is a defining step in our journey from showcase to mass adoption,"
Thng Chong Kim, Executive Chairman, via PRNewswire
Thng Chong Kim noted that the company is leveraging exceptional responses from CES 2026 to put devices into the hands of customers in discerning electronics markets to refine the products. MetaOptics has already completed the design for a next-generation 12MP colour metalens camera module, which it plans to showcase at CES 2027.
Expanded commercial and industrial reach
The current shipments follow a period of increased engagement with world-class customers across the semiconductor, engineering and consumer electronics sectors. MetaOptics recently qualified as a direct supplier to a major South Korean consumer electronics company, completing a design optimisation phase. The company is now cooperating with that customer to participate in the product launch cycle.
In other regions, MetaOptics has submitted a production and prototyping proposal to a European engineering and technology firm for particle sensing solutions. These customized metalenses have a diameter of less than 1mm and are manufactured using a 12-inch DUV immersion photolithography process.
The company is also pursuing the deployment of its automatic metalens tester—which features characterisation and sorting functionalities—at a European semiconductor foundry and manufacturing company. This effort is part of a broader strategy to establish end-to-end metalens manufacturing in Europe.
Automotive and Asia-Pacific developments
MetaOptics' portfolio extends into vehicle intelligence. The company recently sold a monochrome wide angle IoT infrared metalens camera development kit sample to a major vehicle intelligence sensing company in South Korea.
In Taiwan, the company's microfab platform has seen interest from a co-packaged optics supplier to a major foundry. Additionally, MetaOptics is exploring the setup of its automatic metalens tester and direct laser writer at another microfab platform in an Asian hub by the end of 2026.
Founded in 2021, the Singapore-headquartered firm operates as a vertically integrated designer and manufacturer. Its product range includes metalens manufacturing equipment, such as the automatic metalens module assembler and direct laser writer, alongside metalenses for LiDAR, pico projectors, AR/VR devices and automotive sensing.
Following a general meeting on 10 April 2026, the company has moved forward with plans for a proposed Nasdaq dual listing to support its growth and international network expansion.
