Samsung has officially confirmed that its next-generation augmented reality (AR) glasses will debut in 2026, marking the first time the company has shared a concrete timeline for its long-rumored smart glasses project.
The announcement came during Samsung’s latest earnings call, where the company revealed that its profits nearly tripled year over year. Alongside its strong financial performance, Samsung reiterated its plans to strengthen its leadership in the AI chip market through the upcoming launch of advanced HBM4 memory products.
During the same call, Seong Cho, Executive Vice President of Mobile Experiences, outlined Samsung’s broader roadmap for the year. He stated that the company aims to deliver “rich, immersive multimodal AI experiences” across a wide range of devices, including smartphones and what he described as “next-generation AR glasses.”
A Long-Awaited Update on Samsung’s Smart Glasses
Samsung first teased its Android XR glasses back in October 2025 and later followed up with the launch of a full-fledged Galaxy XR headset. Since then, the company has remained largely silent about its smart glasses ambitions, making this announcement the first substantial update on the form factor.
While Samsung has now confirmed a 2026 launch window, the company stopped short of providing an exact release date. However, multiple reports suggest the AR glasses could arrive in the second half of the year.
What We Know So Far About Samsung’s AR Glasses
Samsung has previously confirmed that it is developing its smart glasses in collaboration with Google, as well as fashion and eyewear brands Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. According to reports, the four companies are working on two different AR glasses models.
One version is expected to feature an in-lens display, similar to the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, while the second model may be a more basic smart glasses design resembling the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2). Both models are expected to run Android XR, though likely a lighter version compared to the software powering Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset, in order to support lower-power hardware.
Leaks from GalaxyClub suggest the glasses could include a built-in 12MP camera with autofocus, a Qualcomm AR-focused chipset, and a relatively small 155mAh battery. These specifications point toward a device designed for everyday wear rather than extended mixed-reality sessions.
Android XR and the Future of Smart Glasses
Android XR is expected to play a central role in Samsung’s AR strategy. Demonstration videos have already shown how the software could overlay navigation prompts from Google Maps directly into a user’s field of view, offering hands-free guidance while walking through city streets.
By building on a dedicated Android-based XR platform, Samsung and Google may be able to offer far more advanced AI-driven features than many of today’s smart glasses, which typically focus on basic functions like music playback, cameras, and voice assistants.
A Big Year Ahead for AR Glasses
The AR glasses market is heating up rapidly. CES 2026 showcased smart glasses from hundreds of brands, highlighting growing interest in wearable AI devices. With Samsung and Google officially entering the space, expectations are high for a more mature and capable product category.
As 2026 approaches, Samsung’s next-generation AR glasses could become a major milestone—not just for the company, but for the future of Android-powered extended reality as a whole.