Google is preparing to re-enter the smart glasses market in 2026, marking its most significant push into consumer AI hardware in years as pressure mounts from Meta’s rapid gains in wearable AI.
The company said on Monday that it will release two versions of the new device: audio-only glasses powered by its Gemini assistant and display-equipped glasses capable of showing navigation prompts, translations, and other contextual information directly in the lens.
The announcement positions Google for a renewed fight in a category it once helped define but later abandoned after the early Google Glass project struggled with cost, privacy backlash, and limited real-world utility.
New Hardware Strategy Backed by Major Partners
The upcoming glasses are being developed with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and eyewear brand Warby Parker, which disclosed in a recent filing that the first co-designed models are expected to launch in 2026.
Google has committed $150 million to the partnership, signaling its intent to build a more fashion-driven, consumer-ready product this time around. The glasses will run on Android XR, the company’s operating system for extended reality devices, designed to unify apps and experiences across headsets and wearables.
Meta’s Success Raises the Stakes
Google’s renewed interest comes as Meta gains meaningful traction with its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The device, developed with EssilorLuxottica, has seen strong uptake in the U.S. and Europe, driven by hands-free video capture and the built-in Meta AI assistant.
Meta expanded the product line in September with a model that includes a miniature lens display showing messages and live captions — a feature that pushes the glasses closer to full AR capability and puts additional pressure on rivals.
The momentum has widened the gap in a market where Google once held the early lead but failed to convert early hype into consumer adoption.
A Different Market Than Google’s First Attempt
Google co-founder Sergey Brin said earlier this year that the company’s previous attempt faltered because AI was not advanced enough and the supply chain required to build a mass-market product was not in place. Both constraints have shifted dramatically.
Modern AI systems can run lightweight, context-aware models directly on wearables, offering fast responses without requiring constant screen interaction. The rise of cloud-connected wearables and silicon optimized for on-device AI also makes the category more viable than in 2013.
This creates an opening Google wants to use — before Meta cements the space entirely.
Broader Push Into XR
Alongside the glasses update, Google announced new software features for its Galaxy XR headset, including Windows PC linking and a travel mode designed for use on planes and in cars. The updates show Google is preparing a broader platform approach rather than a standalone product strategy.
What to Expect Ahead
Google has not revealed pricing, regional release plans, or which model will arrive first. More details are expected in 2025 as hardware testing expands and partners finalize industrial design.
For now, the 2026 launch signals Google’s commitment to competing in a fast-growing corner of consumer tech where AI, fashion, and hardware design increasingly intersect.
With Meta advancing quickly and other players like Snap and Alibaba active in the space, the next two years will determine whether AI glasses evolve into a mainstream category — or remain an early-stage experiment.