Samsung’s smart glasses, developed jointly with Google, haven’t exactly been a secret. Yesterday at I/O 2026, they finally pulled back the curtain. The glasses are designed in partnership with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster.

They focus on practical AI features like navigation, messaging, photography, and hands-free assistance for everyday use. But what chance do Samsung and Google’s smart glasses have against Meta’s? As it stands, Meta is still the market leader.

According to Smart Analytics Global (SAG), “global AI smart glasses shipments will grow 85% YoY in 2026, surpassing 15 million units.” That surge shows AI is getting better, hardware design is improving, and tech companies are working more closely with eyewear brands.

SAG adds that audio-first models will dominate, stating they will account for “91% of global shipments in 2026.” These designs are lighter, cheaper, and less noticeable than display-based options, which makes them easier to adopt and better suited for everyday use.

Whenever Samsung and Google’s smart glasses hit the market, expected this fall, they could disrupt Meta’s current lead. SAG notes that combining Gemini AI, Android, Samsung’s engineering, and retail partnerships creates a strong mix that could speed up growth in the category.

SAG also forecasts that Samsung and Google’s smart glasses will ship more than 2 million units in 2026, giving them about an 18% market share. That would put them in second place globally, ahead of Xiaomi and Huawei, and mark a serious shift in the AI eyewear market.