Google plans to launch new smart AI glasses powered by artificial intelligence (AI) in 2026, after its first attempt with Google Glass failed years ago.
In 2013, Google introduced Google Glass with high hopes, but its bulky design and unusual look made it unpopular. The product was pulled from the market in 2015, less than seven months after its release in the UK. Now, Google is ready to try again, planning a smarter, cleaner design for its new AI glasses.
However, Meta (formerly Facebook) has already made strides in the smart glasses market, selling 2 million pairs of its own specs as of February.
Google's new glasses will let users interact with its AI products, like its chatbot Gemini. The company plans to release two versions: one without a screen, just for assistance, and another with a display built into the glasses.
While Google has said the first version will be available in 2026, they have not shared many details about how the glasses will look or function. Tech analyst Paolo Pescatore advised that Google must avoid the mistakes it made with its first attempt, saying the earlier launch was “ahead of its time” and “poorly executed.”
Google will also face competition from Meta, which launched its own AI-powered glasses earlier this year in collaboration with luxury eyewear brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley.