Samsung Unveils Camera-Equipped AI Smart Glasses to Rival Meta's Market Lead

Key Takeaways

Table of Contents

Samsung has officially announced its AI-powered smart glasses will incorporate a camera system that pairs with smartphones for artificial intelligence processing
Project HAEAN, the internal codename, targets a 2026 market debut as Samsung’s inaugural smart glasses offering
Recent reports indicate Samsung may incorporate an integrated display, contradicting initial plans for a screenless configuration
Development partnership with Qualcomm and Google began in 2023 for this ambitious project
Meta’s collaboration with Ray-Ban commands an overwhelming 82% share of worldwide smart glasses sales

Samsung has publicly disclosed initial specifications for its forthcoming AI-enabled smart glasses, verifying that the wearable device will incorporate camera technology with smartphone integration.

Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., 0L2T.L

Jay Kim, holding the position of executive vice president within Samsung’s mobile division, provided these insights during Mobile World Congress proceedings in Barcelona on March 6, 2026.

According to Kim’s statement to CNBC, the camera module will be positioned at “eye level.” Visual information captured by the glasses transfers to a connected smartphone, where artificial intelligence computations occur.

The primary capability, as Kim explained, enables AI to comprehend “where you’re looking at” and subsequently “feed the information to the mobile phone” to generate helpful information.

When questioned about display integration, Kim remained noncommittal. He emphasized Samsung’s existing ecosystem of devices like smartwatches and smartphones already provide screen access when necessary.

Yet reporting from Korean publication ETNews indicates Samsung may have revised its strategy. According to their sources, Project HAEAN could feature display technology that beams images directly onto the lens surfaces.

The eyewear reportedly incorporates built-in audio speakers as well, designed to enable completely hands-free operation without physical controls or remotes.

Collaborative Development With Qualcomm and Google

Samsung initiated collaboration with semiconductor manufacturer Qualcomm and technology giant Google in 2023, focusing on developing the software platform, processing chips, and physical components for mixed-reality applications.

Their initial collaborative product was the Galaxy XR headset, which debuted in the previous year operating on Google’s Android XR software platform.

Qualcomm’s chief executive Cristiano Amon verified earlier this week that the smart glasses product will arrive during the current year.

Integration with Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence ecosystem is anticipated for the glasses, although comprehensive specifications haven’t been disclosed.

Challenging Meta’s Leadership

Meta’s partnership with Ray-Ban currently controls the smart glasses sector with an 82% worldwide market presence, based on data from Counterpoint Research.

Samsung enters a competitive landscape that includes contenders like Alibaba and Xreal.

Manufacturers view smart glasses as attractive because they offer compact, unobtrusive form factors compared to virtual reality headsets, presenting greater potential for mainstream consumer adoption.

“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 noted that extended reality headsets will likely remain specialized products unable to achieve widespread adoption comparable to smart glasses.

Samsung’s objective, per Kim’s remarks, is “to have something for industry this year.”

While Samsung hasn’t specified an exact release date for Project HAEAN, the company has committed to bringing the product to market within the 2026 timeframe.

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