Alphabet Inc.’s Google plans to release its first AI-powered smart glasses in 2026, entering a fast-growing market currently led by Meta. The company is developing two models – one with integrated displays for AR experiences and another focused on audio – in collaboration with partners including Samsung, Warby Parker and Gentle Monster.

The glasses will connect wirelessly to a smartphone, allowing Google’s Gemini AI to handle tasks such as real-time translation, navigation, recipe suggestions, and AI-enhanced photography. Google showcased both monocular and binocular prototypes, with AR overlays for Google Maps, Google Meet and other apps. Users can also disable the display and rely solely on audio functionality.

The initiative represents Google’s more mature return to the category after the early failures of Google Glass. The company is also working with Xreal on Project Aura, a standalone XR device running Android XR with a wider field of view and full hand tracking.

Alongside the glasses, Google announced key software upgrades for Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset, including a travel mode for use in cars and airplanes, a new PC Connect app that mirrors any Windows PC inside the virtual environment, and more realistic face-scan avatars.

With Meta, Snap and Apple preparing next-generation AR and AI glasses, Google’s push signals a renewed effort to secure a leading position in the emerging wearable AI market ahead of 2026.