Big Tech Bets on Smart Glasses as Next Major AI Hardware

Companies like Meta, Google, and Apple are investing heavily in AI-powered smart glasses as the potential successor to the smartphone.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:15am

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The tech industry is betting that AI-powered smart glasses will be the next major consumer hardware device, with companies like Meta, Google, and Apple all investing heavily in developing their own versions. While smart glasses still require connectivity to smartphones, they are seen as a potential way to redefine the human-computer interface beyond the search engine and touchscreen. However, the backlash to earlier iterations of smart glasses suggests this may not be the only answer, and designers are exploring where AI could thrive in new device form factors.

Why it matters

The race to develop the next major consumer hardware device powered by AI is heating up, as tech giants see smart glasses as a potential way to revolutionize how people interact with computers and access information. This could have significant implications for the future of computing, user interfaces, and the role of AI in everyday life.

The details

Major tech companies like Meta, Google, and Apple are all investing heavily in developing their own versions of AI-powered smart glasses. Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses have already seen strong sales, while Google is partnering with eyewear brands to create its own AI-enabled glasses. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has also signaled its interest in the space by acquiring an AI device startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive. However, some industry observers are skeptical that smart glasses will be the definitive successor to the smartphone, noting that the devices still require connectivity to phones for processing power and functionality.

  • In 2023, Meta reported that sales of its smart glasses tripled year-over-year.
  • Next month, Oakley's new line of Meta AI smart glasses will be featured in a Super Bowl ad.

The players

Meta

A major tech company that has made smart glasses one of its business priorities, directing significant investments towards wearables through its Reality Labs division.

Google

A tech giant that is partnering with eyewear brands like Warby Parker and Gentle Monster to develop its own AI-powered smart glasses, featuring a camera, speaker, microphone, and optional in-lens display.

Apple

A leading tech company that is reportedly developing its own smart glasses, as it looks to capitalize on the potential of AI-powered wearable devices.

OpenAI

The company behind ChatGPT, which has signaled its interest in the smart glasses market by acquiring an AI device startup founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive.

Jony Ive

The former chief design officer of Apple, who founded an AI device startup that was acquired by OpenAI, indicating the company's ambitions in the smart glasses space.

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What they’re saying

“Sales of Meta's glasses tripled last year, according to chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, who described Meta's glasses as "some of the fastest-growing consumer electronics in history.”

— Mark Zuckerberg, Chief Executive Officer, Meta

What’s next

The success of AI-powered smart glasses will depend on their ability to provide a compelling user experience and seamlessly integrate with people's daily lives, beyond just being tethered to smartphones. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovation and competition in this space from leading tech companies.

The takeaway

The race to develop the next major AI-powered consumer hardware device is on, with smart glasses emerging as an early contender. However, the backlash to previous iterations of smart glasses suggests that this may not be the only answer, and tech companies will need to continue exploring new form factors and use cases for AI to truly revolutionize the human-computer interface.