Google plans to launch its first AI-powered glasses in 2026, the company announced Monday, intensifying its competition with Meta in the expanding consumer market for AI devices.
The Alphabet-owned company has committed to releasing both audio-only glasses featuring its Gemini AI assistant and models with an in-lens display.
Google is collaborating on hardware design with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker, for which Google made a $150 million commitment in May. Warby Parker confirmed in a Monday filing that its first glasses in partnership with Google are expected to launch in 2026. The glasses will utilize Android XR, Google’s operating system for its headsets.
The audio-only glasses will allow users to speak with the Gemini AI assistant. The in-lens display models will provide information such as navigation directions and language translations. Google stated the first of these glasses will arrive next year but did not specify which styles.
Google’s re-entry into the smart glasses market follows its May announcement of renewed focus. Co-founder Sergey Brin previously acknowledged past failures, attributing them to less advanced AI and insufficient supply chain knowledge, which resulted in high price points.
“Now, in the AI world, the things these glasses can do to help you out without constantly distracting you — that capability is much higher,” Brin said in May.
The AI wearables sector has gained momentum, with Meta leading the market. Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta glasses, designed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, have achieved significant success through integration with the Meta AI digital assistant. In September, Meta also released display glasses that show messages, photo previews, and live captions via a small display in one lens. Other companies, including Snap and Alibaba, have also introduced their own AI glasses offerings.
Google also revealed software updates for the Galaxy XR headset on Monday, which include the ability to link the device to Windows PCs and a travel mode for use in planes and cars.
