When Google introduced its Android XR OS-powered AI glasses at Google I/O 2026 last week , its features and integration into the company’s larger portfolio could make it a tough contender to Meta’s AI glasses.
But this was not Google’s first tryst with smart glasses.
Meta’s growing successAs per Counterpoint Research, Meta already enjoys 80% of the market share in AI glasses, especially with the Meta Ray-Ban models.
“Overall, Meta dominated the global rankings for best-selling smart glasses models,” Counterpoint Research noted in another report regarding smart glasses sales.
“As Google integrates these services with Android XR glasses, we expect the usability and application scenarios of AI glasses to expand significantly,” the report read.
The product did create waves of interest, but after the launch, its sales tanked over privacy issues, and raised eyebrows about its design and usage. Google shut down the glasses soon after, only to bring it back after thirteen years—better and sleeker.
When Google introduced its Android XR OS-powered AI glasses at Google I/O 2026 last week , its features and integration into the company’s larger portfolio could make it a tough contender to Meta’s AI glasses. But this was not Google’s first tryst with smart glasses. In fact, the company had launched a similar product back in 2013, for an eyewatering price tag of $1,500 (£990).
Meta’s growing success
As per Counterpoint Research, Meta already enjoys 80% of the market share in AI glasses, especially with the Meta Ray-Ban models. Since its launch in 2023, with Meta’s glasses saw a steep rise in sales only last year, with shipments of the Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses (Gen 1) peaking in Q3 2025, primarily driven by seasonal demand.
The Gen 2 model too saw a strong initial market traction, while its sports-focused AI glasses, including the Oakley Meta HSTN and Oakley Meta Vanguard, together accounted for over 30% of Meta’s total shipments in Q4 2025. “Overall, Meta dominated the global rankings for best-selling smart glasses models,” Counterpoint Research noted in another report regarding smart glasses sales.
Meanwhile, Google has partnered with Samsung and eyewear brands Gentle Monster (GM) and Warby Parker, where Samsung is responsible for the glasses’ hardware design, while GM and Warby Parker focus on the industrial and eyewear design, as well as related optical support. Google, meanwhile, provides the Android XR OS, including integration with the Gemini AI assistant and a suite of internet services.
How does Google have the upper hand
Counterpoint’s report states that beyond core functions such as photography and audio playback, the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses mainly emphasize integration with Meta’s social media ecosystem.
On the other hand, Google ecosystem consists of Gmail, Google Maps, YouTube, Calendar, Photos, and Google Meet. Because of which, the glasses could provide a more seamless “native” integration between the glasses and Android smartphones, particularly for functions such as reminders, calendar event creation, and cross-device, cross-application synchronization to enhance the contextual AI experience, where Meta’s current solution still faces limitations. “As Google integrates these services with Android XR glasses, we expect the usability and application scenarios of AI glasses to expand significantly,” the report read.
While Apple too is gearing up to bring its own glasses, for now both Meta and Google have a level playing field to attract iOS users as its customer base, as both smart glasses provide support both Android and iOS. It comes down to design and style, and usage patterns of iOS customers.
Google does have the advantage by partnering with Samsung, GM and Warby Parker, as it can accelerate the commercialisation of Android XR-powered AI glasses. Banking on Samsung’s popularity, especially in the APAC regions, the partnership brings strengths in consumer electronics manufacturing, imaging and camera optimization, and global smartphone channels, while eyewear partners contribute established retail networks, optical expertise, and brand recognition in the fashion industry.
