Insta360 Patent Points to AI Glasses With External Battery

Insta360, known primarily for its action cameras and 360-degree video hardware, is reportedly developing AI-powered smart glasses. The claim comes from Chinese sources close to the company, and a patent filing adds some detail to the design direction.

The External Battery Approach

Insta360's patent describes a pair of glasses with no built-in battery. Instead, the power source sits separately on another part of the body and connects to the frames via a cable. The stated goal is to reduce head weight and relieve pressure during extended wear.

Moving the battery out of the frame frees up internal space for cameras, microphones, speakers, processors, and wireless radios — components that typically compete for volume inside smart glasses. The trade-off is the cable, which adds a visible tether that competitors like Meta's Ray-Ban glasses avoid by keeping everything self-contained.

What We Do Not Know

Almost everything. There is no product name, no confirmed specs, no launch timeline, and no guarantee Insta360 will bring this design to market. Companies routinely file patents for ideas that never ship, and the finished product — if it ships — could use an entirely different battery layout.

The timing is notable, though. The smart glasses market is heating up, with Meta, Samsung, and Qualcomm all actively developing or shipping AI-powered eyewear. Insta360's camera expertise could give it a differentiated angle in a category where image capture quality varies widely. Samsung and Qualcomm recently expanded their own AI eyewear collaboration, signaling that the category is attracting serious investment.