Samsung and Google are laying the groundwork for Android XR glasses

Samsung has also confirmed that it plans to launch its own smart glasses in 2026.

At Google I/O 2025, Android XR vice president Shahram Izadi stated that Google will be taking its partnership with Samsung “to the next level.”

Both companies are working on reference hardware and software for Android XR glasses, and while we don't know what each is responsible for, it seems clear that Samsung will focus on the hardware side and that Google will develop the Android XR software.

As for the  reference devices, they are already being tested by developers. We expect to see Google and Samsung expanding the access later in 2026.

Two types of Android XR glasses are planned

Google confirmed that Android XR supports two categories of glasses.

One of the categories includes cameras, microphones, and speakers but has no integrated displays. This type is expected to be lighter and cheaper, making it more accessible. The second category throws in an AR display, which enables visual overlays—of course, this also means a higher price.

Eyewear brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker will be the first to ship Android XR glasses, blending the new technology from Google with a more everyday look.

Samsung confirms its own smart glasses for 2026

Samsung has confirmed during an earnings call that it also plans to launch its first smart glasses in 2026. The announcement came from Seong Cho, who described upcoming “next-generation AR glasses” as part of Samsung’s broader AI hardware strategy.

That said, reports on Samsung’s first-generation glasses state that they will not include an AR display. Instead, they will rely on voice, audio, and AI features to work. That is a very different approach from Apple, which decided to go for a high-end, expensive device when it announced the Apple Vision Pro.

A phased approach to AR glasses

Samsung is reportedly developing two smart glasses models, believed to be variants for the same markets. A more advanced version with an AR display is rumored for 2027.

It seems that—by helping define the Android XR platform now—Samsung hopes to gain early influence over standards and the market for AR glasses. With Meta already selling smart glasses and Apple also rumored to be preparing multiple new models for the near future, Samsung and Google are clearly trying to ensure Android XR is ready before the category fully takes off.