Samsung is reportedly stepping into the next wave of wearable technology with two new smart glasses projects in the pipeline, one display-free and the other offering full augmented reality capabilities. According to industry sources, the display-free model will feature microphones, speakers, and cameras, which will enable features like audio interaction, video capture, and a real-time voice assistant. These smart glasses will hit the market as soon as by the end of 2026, and the design of the device along with the feature set tells us that the company is working to target mass-market appeal.
Samsung’s 2026 launch of smart glasses and an AR headset sets the stage to take on Apple, Google, and the wearables industry
Apart from the cheaper smart glasses, Samsung is also developing a display-equipped AR model in collaboration with Google, according to Seoul Economic Daily. The wearable will house micro-LED displays, the same panels that Apple uses in the Vision Pro for richer visuals. It can safely be presumed that Samsung is planning to rival the likes of the Vision Pro and Meta’s high-end Quest headsets in the market with help from Google. The search engine giant will potentially be responsible for developing the software experience in collaboration with Samsung to beat the Cupertino giant.
Samsung’s display-free glasses will also compete with Apple’s own smart glasses, and both of these will compete against Meta’s smart Ray-Bans. Samsung’s rendition will include built-in mics for audio recording and detection, voice commands, and cameras to capture video and object recognition features powered by AI. Without a power-hungry display, the glasses will deliver a longer battery life, offer a lightweight experience, and a sleeker form factor compared to the current iterations in the market.
The goal of the display-free glasses from Samsung is simple – to create an affordable and socially acceptable entry point for smart wearables that integrate seamlessly into everyday life. By keeping the design minimal yet functional, Samsung could appeal to users who want smart features without the cost and complexity of larger mixed-reality headsets.
The project is internally codenamed “Haean,” which runs alongside the company’s advanced AR headset. Industry insiders forecast that the smart glasses market will expand from $25.35 billion in 2025 to more than $1.6 trillion in 2032, driven by AI advancements, component miniaturization, and broader acceptance by consumers. Samsung is aiming to capture multiple markets with its display-free and AR wearables, allowing it to rake in as much market share as it can before the competition catches on.
Apple, on the flip side, is taking a more methodical approach, as it works on custom silicon optimized for ultra-low power operation, camera processing, and seamless integration with the iPhone. Apple’s rendition is also expected to arrive alongside Samsung in late 2026, but since the final word rests with the company, we would advise you to take the news with a grain of salt.
