Google is preparing a breakthrough in wearables: The first AI glasses will launch in 2026

Google is making a major push into everyday wearable technology: the company has announced plans to release its first AI-powered glasses in 2026. Unlike the early Google Glass prototypes, these are full-fledged consumer products developed in partnership with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker. The glasses are designed to be stylish, lightweight, and comfortable for all-day wear — with Gemini built in for real-time assistance.

Two Types of Glasses: With and Without a Display

Google is working on two versions.
The first model has no display: built-in speakers, a microphone, and a camera allow users to interact with the Gemini AI by voice. The glasses will be able to answer questions, take photos, and provide guidance — from navigation to object recognition. Google plans to release this version in 2026.

The second model adds a miniature display inside the lenses for private information such as navigation prompts, real-time translations, or notifications. There is no exact launch date yet, but this version is described as the natural next step after the display-less model.

In a blog post, Google noted that during the I/O conference the company announced its collaboration with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker on the creation of stylish, lightweight glasses suitable for all-day wear, adding that together with its partners it is building two different types of glasses. This statement was presented in indirect form as the original contained a direct quote.

Partnerships with Warby Parker (a major American eyewear brand) and Gentle Monster (a Korean luxury brand) ensure the glasses will look like regular frames rather than tech gadgets. Samsung contributes hardware expertise, including support for Android XR — a platform for AR/VR enhanced by multimodal AI.

Why This Matters for the Market

The smart-glasses market is booming: Meta has already sold millions of Ray-Ban Meta units, and Apple is preparing Vision Pro 2. After the failure of Google Glass in 2013, Google is returning with clear lessons learned — prioritizing privacy, comfort, and deeper integration with Gemini, which handles context and multimodal inputs far better than earlier systems. Display-less glasses represent a move toward “invisible” AI, while the display-equipped version moves toward AR without bulky headsets.

In Brief

Google will release its first AI glasses in 2026: a display-less model with Gemini for voice assistance (with speakers, microphone, and camera) and a second model featuring a miniature display for navigation and translations. Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker will ensure high-quality hardware and stylish design. This marks Google’s return to AR after the failed Glass experiment — with a new focus on everyday usability and privacy.