Google Android XR smart glasses: What we know so far

Google I/O 2026 It’s just around the corner, and all eyes are on what Google has in store for this year. One of our big expectations for the annual event: some major announcements related to the company’s planned smart glasses.

Google has already confirmed that it will release a pair of smart glasses built for the Android XR platform in 2026. Until we have another name for these unreleased specs, we’re calling them Android XR Glasses. (Remember: Android XR is Too The name of Google’s previously launched augmented reality operating system, which powers products like the Galaxy XR headset.)

Just don’t call them Google Glass.

What we know about Android XR smart glasses

Google began A concept of its upcoming smart glasses at last year’s I/O. The AI-powered smart glasses feature a full augmented reality in-glass interface with a camera, microphone, and speaker. Google also said it will work with well-known brands like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to create a range of styles. Unfortunately for Google, the live demo during I/O didn’t go exactly as planned.

However, since Google first showcased that concept, there have been some new developments for what we’re calling Android XR smart glasses – with an emphasis on Glasses.

Actually, Google is working on more than one Android XR smart glasses model.

The first models of Google’s Android XR smart glasses have been compared to Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses. These smart glasses are equipped with a camera, speakers, and a microphone, and can interact with Google’s AI assistant Gemini. There is no display in this model.

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The second model has an in-glass display specifically for showing visual information to the user, such as captions for translation and map directions. Google has generally referred to these glasses as AI Glasses, and we got a better look at them in a December 2025 blog post.

Both smart glasses models run Android XR, Google’s smart glasses operating system, which debuted with samsung galaxy xr headset.

Google previously confirmed that a no-display model of the Android XR smart glasses will launch this year, so we should get a good preview of what they’ll introduce at Google I/O.

The big question is how much more Google will reveal about the Android XR AI glasses with a built-in display. As of now, the company has not shared any timeframe for the release of that model. Will we find out at Google I/O 2026?

What else do we know? Not much, but nothing either.

Apart from a few demos, Google hasn’t revealed much about its smart glasses yet.

However, as Mashable’s Chance Townsend reports, Google’s developer design document for Android XR should offer a window into how the company is working on all things AR, VR, and XR.

“Designing for AI Glasses with Android XR requires a thoughtful approach to user experience, prioritizing comfort and seamless integration with the user’s daily life,” the document reads. “Apps on the glasses should feel like a natural extension of the user’s perception, providing convenient access to information without being intrusive.”

For more details, our colleagues at CNET have tried on unreleased Google Smart Glasses (again, definitely not Google Glass). Apart from Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, Samsung and eyewear brand Kering are also rumored to be making smart glasses for Android XR. According to CNET report, Kering may also bring Gucci smart glasses to the market in the near future.

All of these glasses are expected to feature heavy integration with Gemini.

To hopefully learn more, tune in to Google I/O 2026 and follow Mashable’s live coverage on May 19.