Samsung is gearing up for a major push into the world of wearable tech with two new smart glasses projects set to launch in 2026. One of these will be display-free, featuring microphones, speakers, and cameras that will allow users to interact through voice, record videos, and access a real-time assistant. This device is designed to offer a seamless integration of smart features into daily life without the complexity of larger headsets, making it a more accessible option for consumers. 
These glasses are expected to be released by the end of 2026 and will appeal to a mass-market audience looking for smart tech without the hefty price tag.
Alongside the simpler model, Samsung is also developing a high-end augmented reality (AR) headset in collaboration with Google. This AR headset will feature micro-LED displays, similar to those used in Apple’s Vision Pro, for an enhanced visual experience. With Google handling the software development, Samsung plans to challenge both Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest headsets in the premium AR space. The combination of Samsung’s hardware and Google’s software could give the Cupertino giant a run for its money in the wearables market.
In addition to competing with Apple’s smart glasses, Samsung’s display-free glasses will also go head-to-head with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. These glasses will have built-in microphones for audio and video capture, along with AI-powered object recognition. By omitting a power-hungry display, Samsung’s glasses will boast longer battery life, a lighter design, and a sleeker overall look compared to existing models on the market. The goal behind these glasses is clear – to offer an affordable entry point into the world of smart wearables, appealing to users who want smart functionality without the complexity of mixed-reality headsets.
The display-free glasses are internally known as ‘Haean,’ and they are part of Samsung’s broader plan to capture a large share of the wearables market. Industry predictions suggest that the smart glasses market will skyrocket from $25.35 billion in 2025 to more than $1.6 trillion by 2032, fueled by advancements in AI, smaller components, and increased consumer adoption. Samsung’s push into this market could allow the company to secure a strong foothold before the competition, including Apple, catches up.
Apple, on the other hand, is taking a more calculated approach, focusing on custom silicon optimized for low power usage and tight integration with its iPhone. Apple’s own smart glasses and AR headset are expected to launch around the same time as Samsung’s, but with Apple’s typical secrecy around product development, it’s still unclear when exactly the devices will be available. Regardless, both companies are likely to kick off a fierce battle in the wearables space in late 2026.