Google announces AI glasses with Gemini support and iPhone compatibility

Hardware and design options

Google is launching its new Intelligent Eyewear in partnership with two different frame brands. Customers can choose between three styles from Warby Parker, including the Alden, Reid, and Wren, or six bolder designs from Gentle Monster. While the aesthetic varies between the two brands, the internal hardware remains identical for every pair sold.

The glasses are designed for all-day wear and weigh approximately 41 grams. They feature a 12MP camera capable of shooting 3K video and open-ear speakers that deliver audio without blocking your hearing. Because the electronics are housed inside the stems, the frames cannot be warmed or bent by an optician like traditional glasses.

The device includes a dedicated charging case that can recharge the glasses up to seven times. Users will need to be mindful of the fit during purchase, as the stems are not adjustable. Google offers virtual try-on tools online, but the company suggests visiting a physical store for a hands-on demo before buying.

How Gemini powers the experience

The glasses function as an audio-first wearable where the heavy processing is handled by a connected smartphone. Users can activate the assistant by saying "Hey Gemini" or by tapping the frame. Once active, the glasses can answer questions about objects the camera sees, provide turn-by-turn directions via Google Maps, and translate speech in over 70 languages.

The AI is designed to be proactive but requires specific prompts to access the camera. For example, asking a vague question might result in the AI not knowing what to look at, whereas asking it to "look at this thing and tell me what it is" triggers the visual processing. The system can also manage tasks like adding items to a grocery list based on what you are viewing.

For media and communication, the glasses support hands-free calls, messages, and music streaming. They are compatible with four major apps at launch: YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and Audible. However, while the glasses can translate what someone else says to you, they do not currently translate your own voice back to the other person.

Compatibility and restrictions

While the glasses work with both iPhone and Android devices, there are specific requirements for each platform. For iPhone users, the glasses require a device with at least 6GB of RAM running iOS 26.6 or later. Google notes that the iPhone 13 Pro and above are the safest bets for compatibility, though some sources suggest the standard iPhone 13 may also work.

iPhone owners will notice that some accessibility features are excluded from the initial launch. Specifically, features like Guided Vision, Aira, and Audible are currently Android-only. However, the glasses do carry a "Made for iPhone" certification, which allows for fast data transfers using Wi-Fi Aware technology. Photos and videos taken with the glasses will save directly to the Apple Photos app.

Geographic and age restrictions also apply to the software side of the product. The glasses only function with Google accounts from the United States or South Korea. Additionally, the account must belong to an individual who is at least 18 years old. This means users outside of these two specific countries cannot simply import the hardware to use the AI features.

Privacy and data handling

Google has implemented several measures to address privacy concerns regarding the integrated camera. Images that Gemini uses to answer questions are deleted immediately after the request is completed. These captures are not saved to the user's Gemini History, nor are they used to train AI models or target advertisements.

To protect the privacy of people in the vicinity, the glasses are designed to redact the faces of bystanders automatically. This process happens on the user's phone before the AI processes the image. Furthermore, the system is tuned to prioritize the wearer's voice over the voices of people nearby to reduce accidental recording.

Visual cues are provided to alert others when the camera is active. An outward-facing LED light will turn on whenever a photo or video is being recorded. If this light is covered or tampered with, the glasses are designed to stop recording automatically. Users must also agree to a set of rules before first use, which include not recording people without permission or in sensitive locations.

Market positioning and timing

The Google AI glasses arrive in a competitive landscape, positioned between Meta's current wearable offerings and upcoming products from Apple. They are priced similarly to Meta's Ray-Ban Meta Audio and Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) models. This puts Google in a middle ground regarding cost while offering a different software ecosystem for those who prefer Google's services.

Timing is a key factor for consumers, as these glasses launch about a year before Apple's rumored entry into the space. Reports suggest Apple may not unveil its own AI glasses until 2027, and the basic shape of those devices remains undecided. This gives Google a head start for users who want to try the technology now rather than waiting for a potential Apple version.

For many users, the decision to buy depends on their existing ecosystem. Pixel and Galaxy owners will have access to every feature on day one, including full translation and navigation. iPhone owners may find it more logical to wait for Apple's release if they specifically need the accessibility features that are currently missing from the Google launch.