Google announced on Monday that it plans to launch the first of its AI-powered glasses in 2026, signaling its push into the growing market for AI-enabled consumer devices and intensifying competition with Meta.
The Alphabet-owned company is collaborating on hardware design with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker, with whom it reached a $150 million commitment in May. Google said it will offer audio-only glasses that allow users to interact with its Gemini AI assistant, as well as glasses featuring in-lens displays for information such as navigation directions and language translations. The company did not specify which models will launch first, but Warby Parker confirmed the debut is expected in 2026. The devices will run on Android XR, Google’s operating system for headsets.
This move follows Google’s May announcement that it would reenter the smart glasses market, with co-founder Sergey Brin noting lessons learned from earlier products that struggled due to limited AI capabilities and supply chain challenges. Brin said the current AI landscape allows the glasses to assist users without being overly distracting.
The AI wearables market has been growing, with Meta leading the sector through its Ray-Ban Meta glasses and display-equipped AI glasses released in September. Other companies, including Snap and Alibaba, have also introduced AI glasses, contributing to a competitive market. Google also unveiled updates for its Galaxy XR headset, including Windows PC connectivity and a travel mode for use in planes and cars.