Google is gearing up for a bold re-entry into the smart glasses arena, this time backed by artificial intelligence and a network of experienced hardware partners. The tech giant confirmed it will release AI-enabled smart glasses in 2026—a move signaling a far more ambitious effort than the original Google Glass experiment of the early 2010s. The announcement arrives as consumer interest in AI-powered wearables accelerates rapidly, bolstered largely by Meta’s growing dominance in the category.
The renewed push toward smart eyewear comes at a time when AI is reshaping the way users interact with their devices. From voice-controlled tasks to real-time contextual assistance, wearables are increasingly seen as the natural next step after smartphones. Google appears keenly aware of this shift.
Two Distinct Product Paths
To address a widening market, Google will introduce two different models of smart glasses—each aligned with specific user needs.
The first model is an audio-first design that forgoes any kind of display. These lightweight, minimalist glasses will include speakers, microphones, and integrated cameras, all powered heavily by Gemini, Google’s flagship AI system. Users will be able to ask questions, retrieve information, and get real-time assistance without ever needing to look at a screen. This marks Google’s answer to the Meta Ray-Ban AI glasses, focusing on simplicity, comfort, and all-day wearability. For users who want hands-free AI without a visual interface, this could become the go-to option.
The second model is a significant step up in complexity and capability, featuring an integrated heads-up display (HUD). This more advanced pair is designed to overlay navigation directions, translations, notifications, and contextual information directly into the user’s field of view. Google confirmed that these display-enabled glasses are expected to arrive next year, although many technical specifications remain under wraps. The inclusion of a HUD suggests that Google is preparing to compete directly with upcoming AR and mixed-reality offerings expected from other tech giants.
Partnerships Signal a New Strategy
A notable aspect of Google’s 2026 strategy is its collaboration with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker—partners known for hardware excellence, fashion-forward design, and retail reach. The decision not to release these new models under the Pixel brand further reinforces Google’s intention to position the glasses as mainstream lifestyle products rather than niche tech experiments.
These glasses will run on Android XR, Google’s unified operating system for mixed-reality devices. This strategic alignment echoes Google’s recent partnership with Samsung on the Galaxy XR headset, suggesting the company is building a cohesive ecosystem bridging VR headsets, AR viewers, and AI-driven glasses.
Meta’s Impact on the Category
No discussion of the modern smart glasses market is complete without Meta’s influence. The company’s Ray-Ban smart glasses—particularly the second-generation models released in 2023—became a surprise hit, selling over two million units. Sales tripled in Q2 2025, contributing to a major revenue boost for Meta and encouraging the company to expand into display-equipped models priced at $799. Meta’s success has undeniably set a benchmark and pushed competitors—including Google—to accelerate their own innovations.
A New Phase in AI Wearables
Industry analysts have long believed that smart glasses could eventually become the primary computing device for everyday life, offering seamless access to AI through voice and vision. While the technology is still in its early stages, the competitive landscape is heating up. Apple, notably, has yet to make its move, though reports suggest a potential debut in 2026 or 2027.
Google, once burned by the missteps of the original Google Glass, is approaching this new era with a more refined, software-first methodology. The company also showcased Project Aura, developed with Xreal, which provides display glasses capable of functioning like a full mixed-reality headset using Android XR apps. With competition intensifying and consumer curiosity growing, 2026 may finally be the year when AI wearables shift from niche to mainstream.