Key Takeaways
- Samsung has officially announced its first AI smart glasses will include an integrated camera that pairs with smartphones for AI computation
- Project HAEAN is the internal codename for Samsung’s smart glasses, targeting a 2026 market debut
- Recent reports indicate the device might incorporate an integrated display, contradicting initial display-free concepts
- The tech giant has partnered with Qualcomm and Google on development since 2023
- Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses dominate with an 82% global market share
Samsung has officially disclosed initial specifications for its forthcoming AI smart glasses, confirming the wearable will incorporate a camera and require smartphone connectivity.
The announcement came from Jay Kim, executive vice president of Samsung’s mobile division, during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona on March 6, 2026.
Kim revealed to CNBC that the camera will be positioned at “eye level.” Visual information captured by the glasses will transmit to a connected smartphone, where AI processing takes place.
According to Kim, the primary capability centers on AI’s ability to comprehend “where you’re looking at” before it can “feed the information to the mobile phone” for generating actionable insights.
Kim avoided confirming whether an integrated display will be included. He pointed out Samsung’s existing ecosystem of devices like smartwatches and smartphones already provide screen functionality when needed.
Nevertheless, a recent report from Korean publication ETNews indicates Samsung may have reversed its earlier decision. According to the outlet, Project HAEAN could feature a display capable of projecting images directly onto the lens surfaces.
The wearable is also reported to feature built-in audio speakers, designed to enable hands-free operation without physical controls or remote devices.
Collaboration With Qualcomm and Google
Samsung initiated collaboration with semiconductor manufacturer Qualcomm and Google in 2023, focusing on developing the software platform, chipsets, and physical components for mixed-reality applications.
The partnership’s initial release was the Galaxy XR headset, which debuted last year powered by Google’s Android XR platform.
Qualcomm’s CEO Cristiano Amon verified earlier this week that the smart glasses product will arrive within the current year.
The wearable is anticipated to work seamlessly with Google’s Gemini AI system, although comprehensive specifications have not been disclosed.
Competing Against Meta
Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses command the market with an 82% worldwide market share, based on data from Counterpoint Research.
Samsung enters an increasingly competitive landscape alongside rivals such as Alibaba and Xreal.
Manufacturers are gravitating toward smart glasses due to their compact form factor and reduced obtrusiveness compared to VR headsets, positioning them as more attractive to mainstream consumers.
“Everybody talks about what’s the next AI device is,” Kim stated. “Glasses, obviously is one of them and everybody’s looking at it.”
Kim further commented that XR headsets will continue serving specialized markets and won’t achieve widespread consumer adoption comparable to what glasses might accomplish.
Kim stated Samsung’s objective is “to have something for industry this year.”
While no precise launch date for Project HAEAN has been confirmed, Samsung has stated its intention to release the product within the 2026 timeframe.
