Google unveils plans to try again with smart glasses in 2026
28 minutes ago Share Save Liv McMahon Technology reporter Share Save
Google plans to launch smart glasses powered by artificial intelligence (AI) in 2026, after its previous high-profile attempt to enter the market ended in failure. The tech giant set expectations high in 2013 when it unveiled Google Glass, billed by some as the future of technology despite its odd appearance with a bulky screen positioned above the right eye. Google pulled the product in 2015 less than seven months after its UK release, but is now planning on re-entering the market with smart glasses with a cleaner look. But it comes after Meta has already made waves with its smart specs, which have sold two million pairs as of February.
Google's new tech will let users interact with its own AI products, such as its chatbot Gemini. It plans to launch two different varieties - one designed to be provide assistance without any kind of screen, and another which has a display on the glasses themselves. While saying the first of the two types of AI glasses it is working on would come in 2026, Google has not given more information on what form it will take. Technology analyst Paolo Pescatore told the BBC the tech firm "must avoid the pitfalls of its previous failed attempt". "Arguably, the move was ahead of its time, poorly conceived and executed," he said. "Now represents an opportune moment, thanks to the success of Gemini."
Bloomberg via Getty Images Google co-founder Sergey Brin demonstrated Google Glass on-stage at an event in 2012.
Google will also have to contend with Meta, which unveiled its own AI-powered glasses earlier this year, having built on its existing collaborations with luxury eyewear brands Ray-Ban and Oakley. According to market research firm Counterpoint Research, the sector saw a surge in the first half of 2025, driven by demand for Meta's devices and the launch of similar products by smaller brands. It said sales of AI glasses had grown by more than 250% compared to the previous year.
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