TL;DR
- Analysts seem excited about Google’s upcoming Android XR glasses.
- According to a forecast by an analyst firm, Google could sell around 2 million units of its smart glasses in 2026.
- This Meta will exceed Ray-Ban’s projected first year sales.
Google’s first attempt at smart glasses was a complete failure. To avoid patterns, Google is taking a fashion-first approach, letting eyewear brands manage the design while Samsung takes care of the internal hardware. Google, meanwhile, will be responsible for the hardware experience, specifically Gemini. And while it is very difficult to predict whether that combination could work in the companies’ favor, early forecasts indicate this possibility.
The latest smart glasses with Android XR unveiled by Google and Samsung at I/O 2026 are predicted to be a big hit. according to Smart Analytics Global (SAG)In comparison to Google’s upcoming Androids, including models designed by Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, the Meta is estimated to take years longer to sell the first 2 million units, that is, until the end of 2024. However, increasing popularity generated more momentum, allowing the Meta to sell 7 million units in 2025 alone. That same motion could help Gemini’s Google Glasses get their feet off the ground.
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If the prediction comes true, it could propel Google to second place among sellers of AI-powered smart glasses. While Meta may still take the first position, Google is said to be overtaken by other brands, such as Xiaomi, Huawei, Rokid, etc. Still, Google’s smart glasses are expected to account for only one-fifth of the total units sold.
Meanwhile, the analytics firm estimates that total shipments of smart glasses could reach 15 million in 2026.
While there are some options for AI glasses with built-in displays, including the Meta Ray-Ban Display, the report says audio glasses alone could account for 91% of total sales in 2026. This is because audio-only models are lighter and require less powerful hardware. This also reduces the cost of audio-only smart glasses.
Although Google brings its own real XR glasses with embedded display In Lens, next year, with a special flavor of Android, SAG’s previous report suggests audio will remain prominent The way we interact with smart glasses in the coming years. Despite this, glasses with displays could become a big driver of revenue growth for brands. We’ll see how it plays out in reality.
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