Samsung Enters Smart Glasses Race with 2026 Launch Plans to Challenge Meta's Dominance

Samsung Smart Glasses take shape as new details revealed for 2026 launch

What Happened: Okay, so Samsung just got into the mixed reality game this year with its Galaxy XR headset, but it's already planning the next step: smart glasses. According to the folks at GalaxyClub, it's aiming for a 2026 launch for its first pair. This isn't just a minor project; the model number signals a completely new product line, which means Samsung is committing to wearable AI for the long haul. It's already prepping a version specifically for the U.S. market. The glasses are rumored to include transition lenses - you know, the kind that automatically darken when you walk outside. It'll have a camera, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, but it won't be able to connect to a mobile network on its own. The report also states that Samsung actually has two products coming: a simple AI-driven model in 2026, and a full-blown augmented reality (AR) version in 2027. Why Is This Important: This 2026 model is really interesting because it's designed to be like Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses - low-profile and focused on AI assistance, not a big screen strapped to your face. This positions Samsung to go straight after Meta in that fast-growing, discreet smart eyewear market. The features - especially those transition lenses and the built-in camera - suggest it's aiming for a gadget you can wear all day. Given how hard Samsung is pushing Google Gemini AI across all its devices, it's safe to bet these glasses will have deep Gemini integration for hands-free info and calls. It could really be the thing that makes smart glasses a normal accessory. Why Should I Care: So, why should you care? If you constantly rely on your phone for directions, communication, or just asking AI questions, these glasses could fundamentally change your day. It's taking those functions - voice AI, instant photos/videos, communication - and putting them right in your line of sight. No screen needed. For commuters, students, or professionals, that's a huge boost in convenience. And since Meta's Ray-Bans start around $379, Samsung's offering is expected to be affordable enough for a lot of people to try out. Recommended Videos What's Next: Samsung hasn't given an official date or price yet, but the rumors point to the display-less model launching in 2026 and the full AR version in 2027. Expect a lot more leaks throughout 2025 as prototypes move toward manufacturing. As Samsung strengthens its wearable ecosystem and goes all-in on AI-first hardware, these smart glasses are shaping up to be one of the company's most crucial launches of the decade.

Samsung Smart Glasses Leak Reveals 2026 Launch With Transition Lenses and AI - Phandroid

Samsung smart glasses are coming in 2026. Leaked details shared by GalaxyClub.nl reveal the SM-O200P model, a device focused on everyday wearability rather than heavy AR experiences. The specs paint a picture of lightweight eyewear that blends practical features with Galaxy ecosystem integration, positioning Samsung to compete directly with Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses. The leaked Samsung smart glasses reportedly weigh around 50 grams and could feature transition lenses that darken outdoors and stay clear indoors. This would make them functional as regular eyewear, avoiding the "I'm wearing tech on my face" look that plagued earlier attempts. Rumors suggest a 12MP Sony IMX681 camera for photo and video capture, QR code scanning, and gesture recognition without adding bulk. Connectivity is expected to include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for pairing with Galaxy phones, but no independent cellular data. The glasses may run a dedicated AR OS with possible Gemini AI integration for voice control, notifications, and smart messaging. Think hands-free calls, music playback, and ambient information delivered through the lenses without full AR displays. Samsung smart glasses fill the gap between basic smart eyewear and the company's heavier Galaxy XR headsets launching in 2027. The SM-O200P targets users who want practical AI features like live translations, navigation overlays, and quick information access. Notably, you won't need to strap on a full headset. The leaked specs suggest Samsung learned from Google's Glass mistakes by prioritizing style and subtlety over flashy tech demos. Features like AI-powered translations and navigation hints integrate with the Galaxy ecosystem. The glasses work as an extension of your phone rather than a standalone device trying to replace it. Pricing is rumored around $379 and up, potentially matching Meta Ray-Ban Stories while offering tighter integration with Samsung devices. The 2026 launch puts Samsung in position to capture users interested in smart wearables but turned off by clunky designs or limited functionality. Whether Samsung smart glasses succeed depends on execution. Either way, the leaked details suggest a thoughtful approach to a market Meta currently dominates.

Samsung Follows Apple Into The AI-Enabled Smart Glasses Race

0-20%: Unlikely - Lacks credible sources 21-40%: Questionable - Some concerns remain 41-60%: Plausible - Reasonable evidence 61-80%: Probable - Strong evidence 81-100%: Highly Likely - Multiple reliable sources Samsung is reportedly following Apple's lead in giving Meta some much-needed competition in the AI-enabled smart glasses sphere, with two successive versions set to come out in 2026 and 2027, respectively. According to the rumor aggregation site, Yeux1122's blog, Samsung is working on two distinct AI-enabled smart glasses projects: Meanwhile, Apple has apparently delayed its plans to launch the Vision Pro Air to focus on AI-enabled smart glasses. The Vision Pro Air also faced another setback recently when it emerged that Samsung has canceled its plans to develop a glass-based micro-display for mixed-reality devices, called G-VR, which would have allowed Apple to launch the device at a substantial discount to the $3,499 Vision Pro. Apple is reportedly gunning for a 2026 release of its new AI-enabled smart glasses, replete with integrated cameras, microphones, and speakers, enabling the wearer to interact via an improved version of its bespoke AI assistant, Siri. Apple's new AI smart glasses will support key features, including hands-free notifications, real-time AI assistance, and AI-powered translations. Nonetheless, these glasses are not expected to support an in-built AR display, similar to what Samsung is planning for its smart glasses expected in 2026. In doing so, Apple is apparently trying to compete with Meta's now-iconic Ray-Ban smart glasses that offer up to eight hours of mixed use, 2 hours of continuous 'live AI' support, ultra HD 3K video recording ability, and an upcoming optimized noise cancellation system, called conversation focus. As we reported recently, Meta has also now launched its all-new Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, featuring: Do note that any competitor to Meta's Ray-Ban Display from Apple and Samsung would only materialize in 2027, if at all, which gives Meta a two-year leeway to further entrench its AR-based smart glasses.