Google and Warby Parker Partner to Develop AI Glasses for All-Day Use
In a notable move toward wearable technology, Google has partnered with Warby Parker to design AI Glasses intended for daily wear. This marks Google’s first eyewear partnership under its Android XR initiative and represents a renewed push to bring intelligent, multimodal computing into everyday life.
The collaboration merges Google’s advanced AI and XR technology with Warby Parker’s consumer-first approach to eyewear design. The goal is to create a new class of smart glasses that are both stylish and functionally rich, capable of augmenting real-world experiences in real time.
Google’s XR Vision Finds a Real-World Lens
The move comes as Google looks to deepen its presence in the extended reality (XR) market. This strategic partnership with Warby Parker is set to build on Google’s multimodal AI progress, which processes input from text, speech, and visual cues.
Shahram Izadi, GM and VP of XR at Google, said Warby Parker’s mix of optical design, retail execution, and tech-enabled customer service makes them the ideal partner. “Warby Parker’s optical expertise and omnichannel approach position them perfectly to launch this next generation of smart glasses on the Android XR platform,” Izadi said.
Warby Parker’s Tech-Focused Approach
Founded with a mission to transform the eyewear industry, Warby Parker has consistently used technology to redefine the customer experience. Its direct-to-consumer model disrupted the traditional eyewear retail model, and this new collaboration aims to take that innovation further.
“Multimodal AI is perfectly suited for glasses,” said Dave Gilboa, Warby Parker’s Co-Founder and Co-CEO. “It enables real-time context and intelligence to augment surroundings. We’re thrilled to partner with Google to bring this vision to life.”
Neil Blumenthal, also Co-Founder and Co-CEO, added that intelligent eyewear is a natural next step. “Eyewear and technology shape identity and daily experience. This partnership allows us to elevate both.”
Long-Term Investment Signals Serious Intent
Google has committed up to $150 million to this initiative. This includes $75 million earmarked for product development and commercialization costs. An additional $75 million has been set aside as an optional equity investment, contingent on achieving key milestones.
The partnership plans to deliver multiple products over time. The first line of smart glasses—featuring multimodal AI and both prescription and non-prescription lenses—is expected post-2025.
Meta’s Lead, Google’s Turn
The move also signals Google’s return to a field where Meta has already made strides. Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, developed with EssilorLuxottica, have demonstrated that tech-powered eyewear can capture consumer interest—though they still remain niche.
Unlike Meta’s approach, which leaned heavily into social and camera features, Google and Warby Parker appear to be focusing on utility, context-aware AI, and visual augmentation—pushing the idea of glasses as a true computing platform, not just a camera.
With Google’s massive ecosystem and Warby Parker’s strong design ethos, this partnership may finally bring smart eyewear into the mainstream.
