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.
