Smart Glasses and Fitness Bands Now Eligible for Government Trade-In Rebates
Smart Tech Gets a Boost: New Subsidies Cover Wearables and Smart Home Devices
China's "Two New" consumer upgrade policy is getting a major expansion in 2026, bringing cutting-edge technology within reach for more households. For the first time, purchases of smart glasses and various smart home products will qualify for government subsidies under the trade-in program.
What's Covered Under the New Policy?
The updated guidelines specify four categories of eligible tech products:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Smartwatches (including fitness bands)
- Smart glasses
For individual consumers, the deal is straightforward: buy one qualifying item priced under 6,000 yuan (about $830), and you'll receive 15% back from the government. There's a cap of 500 yuan per item, with limits of one subsidized purchase per product category.
"This effectively lowers the barrier to entry for premium devices like AR glasses," explains Zhou Yunhan from the National Information Center. "We're seeing these technologies transition from niche gadgets to household essentials."
Smart Homes Get Smarter With Support
The policy doesn't stop at wearables. Various smart home solutions—from voice-controlled lighting to elderly fall detection systems—now qualify for localized subsidy programs. Local governments will determine specific coverage and amounts based on regional needs.
This flexibility allows cities with aging populations to prioritize assistive technologies, while tech hubs might focus on cutting-edge automation. Either way, it represents China's systematic push toward smarter living spaces nationwide.
Why This Matters Beyond Your Wallet
The subsidies serve dual purposes:
- Stimulating domestic consumption by making premium tech more affordable
- Accelerating AI adoption in daily life scenarios like health monitoring and remote work
Industry analysts predict ripple effects across supply chains as demand grows for compatible hardware, operating systems, and edge computing chips. For consumers, it means smarter homes could become reality sooner than expected—with some financial help along the way.