IN A NUTSHELL
🔍 Samsung plans to launch smart glasses by late 2026, potentially marking the start of a post-smartphone era.
🕶️ The first generation will feature no display, focusing on built-in cameras, microphones, and AI assistants.
📅 By 2027, a second-generation with augmented reality capabilities is expected, aiming to surpass Apple and Meta.
🚀 The competition is intensifying as major tech companies race to lead the wearable technology revolution.
As the global tech industry stands on the cusp of significant change, Samsung is positioning itself at the forefront of the next potential revolution: the transition from smartphones to smart glasses. This shift has been anticipated for years, with major players like Meta and Apple vying for dominance. Samsung’s plan to introduce smart glasses by late 2026, with a more advanced augmented reality (AR) version by 2027, underscores its commitment to leading this change. With the industry abuzz about what could dethrone the smartphone, Samsung’s strategic moves could be pivotal in defining the next generation of mobile technology.
Smart Glasses Without a Screen
Samsung’s initial foray into the smart glasses market is set to begin with a product that emphasizes simplicity and practicality. Unlike existing AR headsets, these glasses will not feature a visual display. Instead, they will offer a combination of a built-in camera, microphones, speakers, and an AI assistant. This design is reminiscent of Meta’s AI Glasses, allowing users to take photos, record videos, listen to audio responses, and interact with their Galaxy smartphones without needing a screen.
The decision to forego a display in the first generation highlights Samsung’s focus on mainstream adoption. By prioritizing hands-free convenience and seamless integration with existing devices, Samsung aims to make its smart glasses a part of everyday life. This approach, which emphasizes affordability and discretion, sets Samsung apart from its competitors, who are developing more immersive and expensive AR experiences.
Exclusive: Samsung to Launch Display-Free Smart Glasses by the End of Next Year, Separate from Its Collaboration with Google
The Leap to Augmented Reality by 2027
Samsung’s vision extends beyond its initial offering. By 2027, the company plans to introduce a second-generation model featuring an AR display. This advancement would enable users to experience digital overlays in their real-world environment, providing functionalities such as navigational aids, real-time notifications, and interactive video calls directly through the glasses’ lenses.
Such a development could place Samsung ahead of Apple, which is expected to release its own version of smart glasses by 2026. However, reports suggest that Apple’s initial product may lack full AR capabilities. Samsung’s partnership with Google is likely to play a crucial role in the success of its AR glasses, leveraging Google’s AI platform, Gemini, to enhance the user experience. Moreover, Samsung’s efforts to build its own software ecosystem reflect a strategic move to control both hardware and software, potentially setting new standards in the industry.
Apple, Meta, and the Race for Your Face
The race to dominate the smart glasses sector is intensifying, with major tech companies striving to capture market share. Meta has already introduced Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, which offer voice-controlled functionalities and real-time AI responses but lack a visual display. Apple, on the other hand, is reportedly preparing a more conservative entry in 2026, focusing on basic smart features.
Samsung’s potential release of AR glasses in 2027 could give it an edge over Apple, whose approach has traditionally been incremental. Meanwhile, Meta’s strategy remains closely tied to its social media platforms, integrating its AI glasses with Facebook and Instagram. However, the company faces challenges in achieving the same level of hardware refinement and global reach as Samsung or Apple.
Toward a Post-Smartphone Era
Mark Zuckerberg once envisioned the end of smartphones, predicting their replacement by lightweight, wearable technology. Samsung’s upcoming smart glasses align with this vision, presenting a new category of devices that could redefine mobile interaction. While the widespread adoption of smart glasses faces hurdles such as privacy concerns, battery life, and cost, Samsung’s timeline reflects a strategic bet on the future.
The company’s plan to release AI glasses in 2026 followed by AR glasses in 2027 reveals a clear trajectory towards transforming how we engage with technology. As the industry explores the potential of wearable tech, questions remain about the practicality and desirability of such devices. Will Samsung’s bold approach inspire a shift in consumer behavior, or will smartphones retain their dominance for years to come?
This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies.
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