Google smart glasses, sold as Intelligent Eyewear with Samsung, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster, opened for pre-order on November 12, 2026 from $395, with store and online sales on December 10. Gemini, a 12-megapixel camera, and open-ear audio are included, but only select Pixel, Galaxy, and iPhone models pair. Next to Meta’s new Gen 3 glasses, that phone list is what everyday use hinges on.
Updated November 12, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Warby Parker frames start at $395; Gentle Monster starts at $449.
- They weigh about 41 grams, 10 grams less than Meta’s new Gen 3.
- Only Pixel 7 or newer, select Galaxy phones, and iPhone 13 Pro or newer.
- Gemini camera visuals are not saved in Gemini History.
How do Google smart glasses compare with Meta’s Gen 3?
Hardware is identical across brands, according to WIRED’s report. Google’s pre-order post lists frames around 41 grams, a battery of up to nine hours, and a case that can recharge the frames up to seven times. WIRED says that is 10 grams lighter than Meta’s new Gen 3 glasses.
The camera is a 12-megapixel ultra-wide. WIRED says a button captures photos and 90-second videos at up to 3K, which 9to5Google puts at 3K at 30fps or 1080p. The Verge counts over 100 Meta frame-and-lens combinations via EssilorLuxottica. Warby Parker starts at $395 with Alden, Reid, and Wren; Gentle Monster starts at $449 with six designs.
| Comparison | Intelligent Eyewear | Meta, in these reports |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | About 41 grams | Gen 3 is 10 grams heavier |
| Styles | 3 Warby styles; 6 Gentle Monster designs | Over 100 combinations |
| Translation | More than 70 languages; no pair download | Ray-Bans need a language-pair download |
9to5Google counts 14 Warby variations and 16 Gentle Monster variations. WIRED says lens-display models are tested by non-Googlers and remain on the road map, though Juston Payne did not share a release window.
What does limited phone support mean every day?
Support is a short list. A Google spokesperson told WIRED the company will share more about other phones in 2027.
- Pixel 7 or newer, per WIRED and 9to5Google
- Galaxy S or Z Fold on One UI 9.0 or higher; 9to5Google adds FE, Flip, and Fold Ultra
- iPhone 13 Pro or newer
- Other Android phones excluded at launch, per Android Authority
Check compatibility first, as a phone requirements checklist does for another Google accessory. WIRED says Gemini can play Apple Music on an iPhone, and if you use Samsung Notes on a Samsung phone, it will know that is likely where you want notes saved. The Verge says Aira is Android-only at launch, but that the glasses otherwise work regardless of your phone.
Where do the privacy rules actually diverge?
Google’s post says an indicator shows a gallery photo or video, and recording is designed to stop if the light is covered or disabled. 9to5Google adds a white LED, a hardware check while charging, and a stop when the glasses come off.
The Verge calls the privacy LED customary and says protections, like Meta’s glasses, disable the glasses if tampering is detected. Google says Gemini camera visuals are not saved in Gemini History, are not used to train models or target ads, and have bystander faces redacted before processing.
Payne told The Verge, “We’re not going to target ads on it. We’re not going to train Gemini on it.” The Verge also reports that he said ambient noise, such as bystander conversations, will be scrubbed, and that beam-forming mics process only the wearer’s audio. You control which apps access the camera and mic, Google says.
The Verge reports YouTube rules against harassment or unwanted sexualization, Shopping and Ads blocks on LED covers, and Play policies that will prohibit social livestreaming, real-time facial identification, or changing how the LED functions. That outlet says the set is more expansive than Meta’s approach, that effectiveness is hard to gauge, and that reception remains to be seen. Gemini refused to identify a person in that demo; The Verge says Meta’s glasses cannot either. See also Google’s Play Store privacy changes.
What can you actually do on December 10?
No lens display ships in this wave, WIRED reports. “Hey Gemini,” “Hey Google,” or a temple tap starts help: mural questions, grocery items, Maps in your ear, calls, messages, and Translate in more than 70 languages. WIRED says you need to stare at the individual being translated, and that range and noise affect quality.
Open-ear audio covers YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and Audible, plus Guided Vision audio descriptions. WIRED says the eyewear brand handles customer-facing device and prescription issues.
Frequently asked questions
When do Google’s Intelligent Eyewear glasses ship?
Pre-orders opened November 12, 2026 at Warby Parker and Gentle Monster. Google says in-store and online purchase starts December 10.
Which phones work with Google’s smart glasses?
WIRED and 9to5Google list Pixel 7 and newer, select Galaxy phones on One UI 9.0 or higher, and iPhone 13 Pro and newer. Android Authority says other Android phones are excluded at launch.
Can Gemini on the glasses identify people nearby?
Google says bystander faces are redacted before Gemini processes camera visuals, which are not saved in Gemini History or used to train models or target ads. In The Verge’s hands-on, Gemini refused to identify a person.
Will phone support expand after launch?
A Google spokesperson told WIRED the company will share more in 2027 about other phones. These reports do not name a date for any excluded model.
