Google Unveils New Gemini AI Smart Glasses

Google is bringing its Gemini AI to a new pair of smart glasses this fall, and they will pair with the iPhone. Announced during the company's I/O 2026 developer conference, the new audio glasses are part of the Android XR platform built alongside Samsung and Qualcomm.



Google partnered with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster for the initial frames, aiming for a design that looks more like regular eyewear than a traditional gadget. Instead of placing a display in front of your eyes, the first models rely on audio and a built-in camera to understand the world around you.



Users can activate Gemini by tapping the side of the frame or saying "Hey Google." From there, the assistant can translate signs, answer questions about nearby places, or provide natural turn-by-turn walking directions based on the direction users are facing. The glasses can also adjust routes on the fly or suggest nearby stops.



The glasses support phone calls, text messaging, music playback, and photo or video capture without needing to take out your phone. With a single command, users can take a picture and use Nano Banana to remove background distractions or playfully transform images.


For more advanced actions, Gemini can handle multi-step tasks in the background. Google says users can ask the assistant to prepare a DoorDash coffee order while their phone remains in their pocket until final confirmation is needed.



The official reveal lines up with recent leaks of Samsung's upcoming display-free hardware. It also arrives as Apple continues developing its own wearable alternative. Apple's acetate-framed smart glasses are not expected until 2027, with reports suggesting the device could feature onboard cameras and visual intelligence capabilities.