A fresh report from South Korea’s Yonhap News is stirring excitement, hinting that Samsung is gearing up to reveal a set of XR glasses at its much-anticipated Unpacked event, which is likely scheduled for next month.
Back in July, Samsung committed to sharing more details about its upcoming “XR platform,” a joint endeavor with Google and Qualcomm, before the year wraps up. However, the specifics of this platform remain shrouded in mystery. Earlier rumors speculated on the development of a rival to Apple’s Vision Pro and potential competition for Ray-Ban’s Meta smart glasses—details brought to light by The Information in October.
The latest scoop from Yonhap News, shared via TechRadar, suggests that Samsung is poised to introduce a new device possibly resembling “regular glasses or sunglasses,” with a lightweight design weighing around 50 grams. This device is anticipated to feature payment capabilities, gesture and facial recognition, and is expected to make its debut by the third quarter of 2025. Plus, Samsung’s Android-based XR software might be unveiled as soon as this month.
Yonhap’s report labels the gadget as “AR glasses” (translated from Korean), but given the suggested weight and the lack of mention of built-in screens, it seems more likely akin to Ray-Ban’s Meta Smart Glasses than the advanced Meta Orion AR prototype.
Understanding the distinction between AR glasses and smart glasses is crucial. Smart glasses, like Ray-Ban’s Meta, offer users data access similar to a smartphone or smartwatch, through a visual display or audio output without overlaying immersive images. Conversely, AR glasses, like HoloLens 2 and Meta Orion, provide immersive visual overlays, which makes them more complex and costly to produce.
If Samsung indeed opts for smart glasses over a complete AR setup, it wouldn’t be alone. Meta’s collaboration with Ray-Ban has proven popular since launching in 2021, compelling an extended partnership with EssilorLuxottica through 2030. Meanwhile, Xiaomi is reportedly crafting a similar device with Goertek, aiming to compete directly with Ray-Ban Meta.
Adding fuel to the speculation, Samsung has secured several trademarks hinting at the next wave of XR devices. Mid-2023 saw the filing of ‘Samsung Glasses’ with the UK’s Intellectual Property Office, and in early 2024, a similar application for ‘Galaxy Glasses’ was submitted to the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
The date for Samsung’s Unpacked event remains under wraps, typically occurring in January or February. However, Android Police has hinted at a leak suggesting a January 23rd date in San Francisco, California. We’ll have to stay tuned to see what Samsung has in store.
