Samsung confirms smart glasses capabilities to compete with Meta Ray-Bans - what's coming

Samsung has officially entered the smart glasses arena, with mobile business EVP Jay Kim confirming details of its first AI-powered wearable set for a 2026 release. The glasses will feature a built-in camera positioned at eye level, designed not as a standalone device but as a visual gateway. Their core function is to capture the user's surroundings and feed that data to a connected smartphone—presumably within the Galaxy ecosystem—where on-device AI models process and understand the visual context. This 'phone-as-a-brain' architecture differentiates Samsung's approach from more complex, all-in-one augmented reality headsets, focusing instead on a lighter, more accessible form factor that leverages existing device power.

Kim explicitly positioned these glasses as part of the search for the 'next AI device,' suggesting a mass-market focus distinct from the company's existing Galaxy XR headset business. By relying on smartphone integration, Samsung aims to keep the glasses smaller, less expensive, and more socially acceptable than bulkier alternatives. While Kim declined to confirm if the glasses will have a built-in display, strong indications point to users relying on their connected Galaxy Watch or phone screen for visual feedback. This strategy directly competes with Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses and products from Xreal, but leverages Samsung's strength in mobile hardware integration to create a seamless AI assistant experience tied to its ecosystem.