According to a Korea Herald report cited by Acuité, Samsung may launch its first connected glasses, tentatively referred to as Galaxy Glasses or Intelligent Eyewear, in November 2026. The device features a screen-free design integrating cameras, microphones, and speakers, relying on Google’s Gemini assistant via a connected Galaxy smartphone for functions like translation and navigation. Samsung claims up to nine hours of battery life with a charging case. Frame partners include Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. The product aims to be lighter than Ray-Ban Meta glasses, though specific weight targets remain unconfirmed. Privacy measures include recording-indicating LEDs. A second-generation model with a color display is reportedly in development without a confirmed timeline. Pricing and available markets have not been disclosed.
Google introduced support for connecting Android XR smart glasses to smartphones in version 26.42 of Google Play services, released on October 26. This update, listed under Device Connectivity, prepares the mobile ecosystem for upcoming AI-powered glasses featuring Gemini integration. The company did not disclose compatible eyewear models, minimum smartphone requirements, or technical pairing details, noting that some features may remain experimental or roll out gradually. This change occurs on the smartphone side rather than as an OS update for the glasses themselves. It follows May 2026 announcements of devices co-developed with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker, which include audio-only and display-equipped variants. While this confirms software infrastructure readiness, it does not yet enable users to connect specific hardware models.
SammyGuru reports that Samsung’s first smart glasses weigh approximately 41 grams with standard lenses, available in 26 frame and color combinations across partners Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. The source states sales may begin in November, with Gentle Monster models in South Korea and the US, and Warby Parker models exclusively in the US via brand stores, websites, and Samsung Experience Stores. Hardware specifications reportedly include the Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 platform, 2GB RAM, 64GB storage, a 12MP camera, and open-ear audio without a display. Samsung has not officially confirmed the weight, price, or release date, though its July announcement detailed battery life and the processor. Galaxy-specific features require recent Galaxy devices running One UI 9 or later.
Lunettes Originales’ September 2026 editorial explores how eyewear creators are dissolving boundaries between fashion accessories, connected terminals, and medical devices. It highlights collaborations like Gentle Monster and Warby Parker’s Samsung co-signed models with Gemini AI unveiled at London’s Galaxy Unpacked, alongside Even Realities’ augmented reality G1 presented in Berlin. The piece emphasizes French craftsmanship through brands such as Marlone, Bailly Lunetier, Zenka, Dilem, J.F. Rey, Vuillet Vega, XIT EYEWEAR, KROM EYEWEAR, Sabine Be., and Paragraphe. These makers integrate recycled acetate, modular clip systems, architectural designs, and authorial signatures to transform frames into durable personal markers rather than mere functional tools, reflecting a shift toward long-lasting identity over transient technology.
Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman states that Apple plans to launch smart glasses in early 2027, targeting December for mass production. The device is reported to feature two cameras—one for high-quality capture and another for computer vision—along with microphones and speakers, but no display. Unlike competitors partnering with established brands, Apple will design its own frames using acrylic elements. This announcement follows reports of next-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses by Meta and EssilorLuxottica featuring facial recognition for 2026, and Google’s Gemini-powered platform launching this year with partners including Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.
At I/O 2026, Google confirmed that its first Gemini-powered smart glasses from partners Warby Parker and Gentle Monster will launch in the US this fall. The devices feature cameras, speakers, and microphones but lack in-lens displays, distinguishing them from previous prototypes. They aim to compete directly with Ray-Ban Meta by integrating Gemini 3.5 Flash for deep Android app control, such as ordering food via DoorDash or navigating with Maps. While pricing and specific hardware specifications remain unannounced, the glasses leverage distinct design languages: Warby Parker’s resembles the Ray-Ban Scriber style, while Gentle Monster offers a unique aesthetic. This move challenges EssilorLuxottica and Meta, who sold 7 million units in 2025.
During its Q1 2026 earnings call, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg stated that daily usage of the company's smart glasses tripled year-over-year, describing them as one of the fastest-growing consumer electronics categories. This claim follows February data from partner EssilorLuxottica, which reported selling 7 million Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta units in 2025. Bloomberg previously noted discussions between Meta and EssilorLuxottica about potentially doubling or tripling production capacity, though completion is unconfirmed. The announcement comes as competition intensifies: Google confirmed Gemini-powered smart glasses from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster will launch this fall, while Apple is rumored to enter the market in 2027.
Samsung’s smart glasses, developed with Google and Qualcomm, received FCC clearance under two product codes (SM-O200P for Gentle Monster and SM-O200J for Warby Parker), a step preceding US commercialization. Separately, Snap opened its first SPECS pop-up store at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles, allowing public trials until November 7th. The source notes no other major industry announcements this week. Additionally, some INMO Air3 units were recalled due to overheating reports, while Meta VR Glasses faced debate over perceived field-of-view limitations compared to nominal specs.
Samsung’s forthcoming smart glasses have cleared FCC testing, indicating a release is near. Two product codes, SM-O200P and SM-O200J, correspond to Warby Parker and Gentle Monster frames respectively, with three Warby Parker variations and two Gentle Monster styles identified so far. Built in collaboration with Google, these devices will be the first to run Android XR. They feature onboard cameras, microphones, off-ear speakers, and integration with Google Gemini. Reported specifications include a Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 chipset, a 12MP front-facing camera with an indicator LED, and up to 9 hours of battery life per charge. No pricing or specific launch date has been announced beyond a Fall 2026 window.
At Snapdragon Summit 2026, Qualcomm announced the Sound Elite Gen 2 chipset, designed to enhance voice input and neural processing for audio devices within its 'personal AI' ecosystem. The initiative aims to enable agentic AI workflows across a constellation of devices, including phones, watches, and glasses, by running models directly on silicon for efficient context-aware execution. Qualcomm confirmed that its Snapdragon AR1+ Gen 1 chip will power upcoming AI glasses from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, which are set to release later this year and compete with Ray-Ban Meta Smartglasses. Additionally, the company highlighted partnerships with Samsung and Google for Android XR devices and introduced the START program to lower barriers for eyewear manufacturers entering the AI glasses market.
At Galaxy Unpacked in London, Samsung Electronics introduced its latest intelligent eyewear, developed in collaboration with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. Building on designs announced by Google at I/O in May 2026, the new frames feature extended battery life (up to nine hours per charge), Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen1 processors, and Gemini multimodal AI integration via Android XR. The devices offer hands-free assistance, live translation, and visual context capture. While specific pricing and exact availability dates remain unannounced, Samsung has targeted a fall 2026 launch. The collaboration emphasizes everyday wearability and distinct brand aesthetics, with Warby Parker offering brown hues and Gentle Monster providing slim black frames.
Editorial relevance: Samsung's introduction of intelligent eyewear with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster signals a significant expansion of smart glasses into the mainstream optical retail channel.
A leak has disclosed the "Galaxy Glasses Manager" app, offering an early look at Samsung’s upcoming smart glasses. The screenshots depict a black charging case used for pairing, requiring users to remove a protective film and slide a power switch. The app reportedly enables phone-based controls, software updates, photo imports, and a "Find my glasses" feature. It suggests the device will run on Android XR with Samsung’s customized One UI XR layer, integrating Google’s Gemini for AI tasks like live translation and directions. While reports indicate a possible appearance at the July 22 Unpacked event in London, Samsung has not confirmed launch dates, pricing, or specifications. The product is positioned as a camera-centric alternative to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses rather than a full mixed-reality headset.