Google is preparing to release AI-powered smart glasses in 2026 as competition in the consumer hardware market accelerates and companies like Meta gain early momentum. The announcement was made during an event earlier this week.
The first generation of Google’s smart glasses will be developed in partnership with Samsung, Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. The devices will not carry the company’s Pixel branding and follow a similar partnership strategy used in Google’s work with Samsung on the Galaxy XR mixed-reality headset.
Google plans to enter the market with two product lines. The first will be an audio-only, screen-free pair of lightweight glasses equipped with speakers, microphones and cameras. These glasses will integrate Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, enabling users to ask questions and receive instant responses. A second model will feature a built-in heads-up display capable of showing information such as navigation instructions and language translations. Google said the first display-enabled glasses will debut next year but did not provide details.
Interest in AI smart glasses has grown sharply following the commercial success of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, developed with EssilorLuxottica. Since the launch of the second-generation model in October 2023, Meta has sold more than 2 million units. Sales tripled in the second quarter of 2025, contributing to a 22% rise in Meta’s revenue. Meta expanded the product line in September with a $799 version that includes an integrated display.
Despite rising momentum, smart glasses remain a niche segment of the consumer electronics market, with sales far lower than established smartphone categories. Analysts expect the segment to expand as companies race to develop lighter, more fashionable devices capable of hands-free operation through voice or visual input. Apple has not yet entered the market but is reported to be working on screen-free AI glasses that could launch in 2026 or 2027.
Google previously attempted to enter the market with Google Glass, which failed to gain mass adoption. The new devices will run on Android XR, the operating system powering Google’s headset ecosystem. The company also showcased Project Aura this week — display glasses developed with Xreal — which can run Android XR applications similar to a full mixed-reality headset.
