Google Reveals its First AR Smart Glasses Launching in 2026

Warby Parker said on Monday it is collaborating with Alphabet’s Google to develop lightweight AI-powered glasses, ​with the first product expected to launch in 2026. The ‌announcement, made during The Android Show | XR Edition, marks the first time the companies ‌have set a public timeline for the release since unveiling the partnership earlier this year.

Google has been making a renewed push into augmented reality and wearable technology, a sector where Meta Platforms and ⁠Apple have taken early ‌leads. Meta has poured resources into its Quest mixed-reality headsets and Ray-Ban smart glasses, while Apple entered the ‍market with its Vision Pro headset earlier this year, positioning it as a premium spatial computing device.

Google also announced this week the development of Android XR wired glasses, called Project Aura, that will enable customers to experience a headset-like immersion and real-world presence in a portable form factor.

The glasses will have a 70-degree field of view and optical see-through technology, Google said, adding that the device layers digital content into the user’s physical worldview. With this, users can operate multiple windows and bring workspaces or entertainment with them without blocking their surroundings, according to the company.

In May, Warby Parker formalized a $150 million partnership with Google to develop AI glasses. Google said it would put forward $75 million for development spending and an additional $75 million into the company if it meets certain milestones. The partnership rivals Meta’s partnership with Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica. Meta first began selling AI glasses, with a built-in Meta AI assistant, in 2023.

In September, Meta announced a new version of the glasses that will include a built-in display. The $799 glasses will similarly allow users to use the technology the same way they would a smartphone by seeing messages, photo previews and live captions, Meta said, adding that the display will be built into one of the lenses