- Google has committed up to $150 million to Warby Parker to co-develop AI-powered smart glasses running on Android XR.
- The first line of glasses, featuring Gemini AI and available in prescription and non-prescription versions, will launch after 2025.
Google has announced a major partnership with Warby Parker, committing up to $150 million to co-develop a new line of AI-powered smart glasses. The collaboration was revealed during Google I/O 2025, as part of a broader initiative to expand Android XR (Extended Reality) capabilities.
According to a joint press release, Google has already invested $75 million to support Warby Parker’s product development and commercialisation efforts. The tech giant has also pledged an additional $75 million, contingent on Warby Parker meeting certain performance milestones. Should those conditions be met, Google will acquire an equity stake in the eyewear company.
The upcoming glasses will run on Android XR and feature Gemini AI and multimodal capabilities. Warby Parker’s signature frame designs will be key to the product’s appeal, combining tech with fashion-forward aesthetics. The companies plan to roll out a range of products over time, with the first models—available in both prescription and non-prescription options—set to launch after 2025.
Following Meta’s Footsteps
Google’s move appears to mirror Meta’s strategy of pairing advanced technology with trusted fashion brands. Meta previously teamed up with EssilorLuxottica, the maker of Ray-Ban, to produce Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses—a collaboration that gained traction partly due to its familiar styling and availability in Ray-Ban’s retail outlets.
Beyond Warby Parker, Google also announced partnerships with Samsung and Gentle Monster to explore new iterations of AI-powered eyewear using Gemini and AR technologies. These collaborations mark Google’s reentry into the smart glasses market with a stronger emphasis on usability, design, and mass consumer adoption.
Edited by Harshajit Sarmah
