Samsung Electronics is generating buzz as it considers unveiling artificial intelligence (AI) glasses alongside its foldable phones at the Galaxy Unpacked event later this year. Industry analysts suggest that the next-generation AI interface is shifting from wrist devices to eyewear.
According to industry sources, Samsung plans to hold the Galaxy Unpacked event in London around July 22, where it is expected to introduce its next-generation foldable phone and AI glasses. While there has been no official confirmation from Samsung, reports indicate that the so-called "Galaxy Glass" could be the first AI eyewear based on Android XR and Google Gemini.
The AI glasses are seen as a product that extends Samsung's XR technology, developed under the "Project Infinite," into a lighter and more everyday form. Last year, Samsung introduced the Galaxy XR as the first product based on the Android XR platform, emphasizing an AI companion experience integrated at the system level with Gemini. This approach allows users to understand both the screen and their real-world environment through voice, visual, and gesture inputs.
Industry experts believe this experience will serve as the foundation for the AI glasses. While headsets have targeted immersive content and spatial computing, AI glasses are likely to focus on practical AI functions for daily life, such as photography, translation, searching, navigation, and checking schedules without needing to pull out a smartphone. The advantages and limitations identified in the "Infinite" project are expected to inform product planning.
Initial reviews of the Galaxy XR have been positive regarding its Gemini-based interactions and lightweight design, but concerns have been raised about long-term comfort and the ecosystem of dedicated apps. Some reviews acknowledged that while it is lighter than the Vision Pro, achieving comfortable wear has proven challenging. Others pointed out that while access to Android apps is broad, XR-optimized applications are still in their early stages.
As a result, Samsung's AI glasses are likely to present a lower barrier to entry compared to heavier and more expensive headsets. Market analysts predict that Samsung will leverage the visual and voice AI experiences gained from Infinite XR to create practical eyewear that connects to smartphones, thereby reducing computational burdens. This development is seen as a significant opportunity for the MX division, which has been seeking new growth drivers following the success of foldable phones.
The growth potential of the market is another reason Samsung is unlikely to abandon the AI glasses initiative. Market research firm MarketsandMarkets forecasts that the global smart glasses market will grow from $1.22 billion in 2025 to $4.13 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate of 29.4%. According to Omdia, shipments of AI glasses are expected to rise from 5.1 million units in 2025 to over 35 million by 2030.
Competitors are also accelerating their efforts. Meta has already commercialized features such as photography, calling, open-ear audio, and AI assistant capabilities through its Ray-Ban smart glasses. Recently, it launched a Ray-Ban display product that combines lens displays with wristband controls, offering functionalities like messaging, notifications, photography, video recording, real-time translation, and walking directions.
Apple is reportedly preparing to enter the smart glasses market as well. Bloomberg has reported that Apple is advancing smart glasses as part of its AI device strategy and is considering products that could compete with Meta's Ray-Ban offerings. Analysts believe Apple will aim to address the high price and weight limitations observed in the Vision Pro with its eyewear.
The key question is whether AI glasses can transcend being mere wearable accessories and become the next interface after smartphones. If Samsung integrates AI glasses into its ecosystem of devices, including smartphones, Galaxy Watches, Galaxy Rings, and Galaxy XR, it could create a new Galaxy experience centered around users' visual and voice data.
If successful, the impact could extend beyond the MX division. If AI glasses connect with SmartThings, they could become a new interface for controlling TVs and home appliances, and serve as an expansion device for demand in robotics, healthcare, and semiconductor sensors within the DX sector. However, challenges such as battery life, privacy concerns, and actual user willingness to wear the devices remain significant hurdles.
An industry insider stated, "The core of AI glasses is not how many features are included, but whether they can provide a lightweight and natural experience that users want to wear daily. Samsung's ability to realistically incorporate feedback from its XR devices into eyewear will determine its initial success or failure."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.