Google plans to launch its first AI glasses in 2026, according to a company blog post.
At Google’s I/O event in May, the company announced a partnership with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker to develop consumer wearable products based on Android XR, the operating system that powers Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset.
But in the real world, we can’t wear bulky headsets, which makes smart glasses attractive as discreet smart wearables.
“For AI and XR to be truly useful, the hardware needs to fit seamlessly into your life and match your personal style,” Google writes. “We want to give our customers the freedom to choose the right balance of weight, style and immersion to suit their needs.”
Google is working on various types of AI-powered glasses. One model is designed for screen-free assistance, allowing users to communicate with Gemini and take photos using built-in speakers, microphones, and cameras. Another model has an in-lens display, visible only to people wearing glasses, that can show turn-by-turn directions or closed captioning.
Google also shared a preview of Xreal’s wired XR glasses called Project Aura. This model falls between bulky headsets and discreet glasses. More than just an in-lens display, Project Aura glasses function as an enhanced workplace and entertainment device, allowing users to use Google’s suite of products and stream video much like a more advanced headset.
Meta has held an early lead in smart glasses development, but Google has joined Apple and Snap as one of the companies expected to challenge Meta with its own hardware next year.
Meta’s smart glasses are popular thanks in part to its partnership with Ray-Ban, which sells these products in retail stores. Google’s partnership with Warby Parker appears to follow a similar strategy, with the company so far committing $75 million to supporting the company’s product development and commercialization costs. If Warby Parker reaches certain milestones, Google will invest an additional $75 million to acquire a stake in the brand.
