Google announced its new audio glasses running Android XR called Intelligent Eyewear on November 12, 2026, according to 9to5Mac. The device brings support for iOS along with official Made for iPhone certification, allowing users to pair the hardware directly with Apple smartphones starting from the iPhone 13 Pro or newer.
Key takeaways
- Samsung manufactures Intelligent Eyewear in partnership with frame designers Gentle Monster and Warby Parker.
- The audio glasses weigh between 40 and 44 grams and feature a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera.
- Battery life reaches up to nine hours on a single charge with a case that stores seven extra charges.
- Pre-orders open on November 12, 2026, with retail availability set for December 10, 2026.
What are the main features of Android XR glasses?
9to5Mac reports that Intelligent Eyewear comes in 30 unique frame designs created by Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker. Each pair packs four microphones, two open-ear speakers, a touchpad supporting taps and swipes, and a physical on/off switch to use them as regular frames. Users can interact via the "Hey Gemini" hotword or use Gemini commands to make calls, send 1:1 messages including via iMessage, and receive notifications on iOS.
The companion client handles compute tasks like HDR processing and saves up to 90 seconds of video to Apple Photos. Wi-Fi Aware connectivity powers fast media transfers using the Made for iPhone certification. Audio streaming works with Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Audible, while built-in software delivers turn-by-turn Google Maps directions and real-time translation.
How does Intelligent Eyewear handle camera privacy?
Privacy protections include a blinking white indicator light that activates whenever the camera captures photos or video clips saved to the library. If the indicator light is covered or turned off, the glasses stop recording. Android XR performs a hardware check during charging to enforce this security measure.
When running Gemini commands that use the camera for visual search or translation, the indicator light stays off because the captured images or videos are not saved anywhere, including Gemini History. Google redacts faces from video feeds and filters out bystander voices before the data reaches the cloud. According to 9to5Mac, the companion app handles this processing, and the media is never used to train AI models or target ads.
What it means for buyers
Warby Parker Intelligent Eyewear comes in three frame designs starting at $395 for optical and sun styles. Gentle Monster Intelligent Eyewear launches in the US and South Korea with prices starting from $449. Shoppers can place pre-orders starting November 12, 2026, before the hardware hits retail shelves on December 10, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Google announced the new audio glasses on November 12, 2026, with pre-orders opening the same day.
The glasses require an iPhone 13 Pro or newer to connect and run the Google Glasses companion client for iOS.
Warby Parker frames start at $395 for optical and sun styles, while Gentle Monster frames start at $449.
Battery life is rated at nine hours on a single charge, and the included charging case stores an additional seven charges.
Retail availability for the new audio glasses begins on December 10, 2026, following pre-orders that open on November 12.
Based on reporting by 9to5Mac. Read the original article
