Samsung is developing its first AI-powered smart glasses with no display, built-in microphone, speakers, and camera, expected to launch in late 2026 starting around $299.
Samsung Electronics is reportedly preparing to enter the AI wearables market with its first pair of smart glasses, targeting a late 2026 release. According to South Korean industry sources, the device will prioritize lightweight design, seamless Galaxy ecosystem integration, and advanced AI capabilities over immersive AR visuals.
A display-free approach for everyday wear
The upcoming smart glasses will feature a built-in microphone, speakers, and camera but no integrated display taking cues from Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta lineup. This choice keeps them comfortable for daily use while allowing Samsung to position the product at a more accessible price point.
Pricing is expected to be in the $299 range, directly competing with Meta’s entry level model and signaling Samsung’s intent to make AI glasses a mass market product.
While Samsung is also co-developing AR glasses with Google under Project Haean, those models will feature micro-display technology for immersive experiences. AR glasses in this category can use displays such as micro-liquid crystal displays (LCoS), which overlay environmental information and media content onto the user’s field of view. In contrast, the upcoming Samsung branded AI glasses focus on hands free convenience and affordability, making them a direct competitor to Meta’s popular $299 display free smart glasses.
AI-powered functions with Galaxy ecosystem benefits
The leak suggests that Samsung’s smart glasses will include an onboard AI assistant capable of handling calls, sending messages, capturing content, and controlling music playback through voice or gesture commands.
Tightly integrated with Galaxy smartphones, watches, and even the upcoming Galaxy Ring, the glasses are expected to provide a unified experience for Samsung users. This ecosystem synergy could be a major selling point, offering advantages over rival products from Apple and Xiaomi.
Separate from Google collaboration projects
Samsung’s decision to develop its own AI glasses outside the Google partnership appears to be a strategic move. Industry analysts believe the company wants to secure a foothold in the fast growing AI wearables sector, which is projected to expand from $253.5 billion in 2025 to over $1.6 trillion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights.
By building a separate lineup alongside Google’s AR-focused models and Samsung’s own Project Jinju concept the company can compete in multiple market segments simultaneously, much as it does in smartphones.
A new frontier beyond smartphones
Samsung views smart glasses as a potential successor to smartphones, leveraging AI’s growing capabilities to create devices that can “see” and “hear” alongside the user. With features like real time visual sharing, contextual AI responses, and possible payment integration, the glasses could evolve into an always available personal assistant.
Competition will be intense. Apple is reportedly developing its first smart glasses for release in the same time frame, Xiaomi has already launched its AI Glasses in Asia, and Meta is preparing an AR-enabled Ray-Ban Meta 3 model.
If Samsung meets its late 2026 launch goal, the debut could mark the company’s first major step into a post-smartphone era, where wearable AI devices become central to daily life.
