Samsung Plans July Launch of AI Smart Glasses to Beat Apple
Samsung is gearing up for a major July event, aiming to beat Apple to the punch in the AI smart glasses market. The company is set to unveil next-generation foldable phones and its first AI-powered glasses, known as Galaxy Glasses, according to recent reports. Below, we break down the key questions about these upcoming products and the competitive dynamics with Apple.
What is Samsung planning for its July Galaxy Unpacked event?
Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for July 22, according to the Seoul Economic Daily. The company plans to introduce two new foldable smartphones: the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Galaxy Z Flip8. These devices will launch just weeks before Apple is expected to debut its first foldable iPhone. Additionally, Samsung will reveal its Galaxy Glasses, an AI-powered wearable that competes directly with the Meta Ray-Ban glasses. The event will also likely feature the company's AI ecosystem, including deep integration with Gemini, Google's AI assistant, and the SmartThings platform. This launch positions Samsung as an early mover in the AI smart glasses space, potentially beating Apple by several years.
How does Samsung's AI glasses launch compare to Apple's timeline?
Apple has been developing its own smart glasses, but rumored release timelines suggest they won't arrive until 2027, with a possible preview in 2026. In contrast, Samsung is aiming for a launch in July 2025, which would give it a significant head start. Apple's glasses, expected to rely on Siri, cameras, speakers, and a microphone (no display), are similar in concept to Samsung's. By entering the market earlier, Samsung can build brand presence, refine its product based on user feedback, and lock in partnerships—such as with eyewear maker Gentle Monster—before Apple enters the fray. This timing advantage is crucial in a nascent category like AI wearables, where early adoption can drive ecosystem lock-in.
What are the key features of Samsung's Galaxy Glasses?
According to reports, the Galaxy Glasses are being developed in collaboration with premium eyewear brand Gentle Monster. They will run on Android XR, Google's operating system for extended reality devices, with built-in Gemini integration. The glasses will include a high-definition camera, speakers, and a microphone—similar to the Meta Ray-Bans. Notably, there will be no built-in display; instead, the AI will use the camera to analyze the wearer's surroundings and answer queries via voice. Samsung plans to connect the glasses seamlessly with Galaxy smartphones and its SmartThings smart home ecosystem. This approach focuses on practical AI assistance rather than augmented reality overlays, making the glasses a lightweight companion device.
How do Apple's rumored AI glasses compare to Samsung's?
Apple's smart glasses, still in development, are expected to feature a similar design philosophy. They will likely include cameras to feed visual information to Siri, along with speakers and a microphone. The first version is also expected to lack a display, relying on voice interaction. Both companies are pursuing a form factor modeled on the Meta Ray-Bans. The main difference lies in the AI ecosystem: Samsung uses Gemini and Android XR, while Apple will leverage Siri and its own software stack. Apple's version may benefit from deeper integration with iPhone and other Apple services, but Samsung aims to differentiate through its partnership with Gentle Monster for stylish frames and a broader compatibility with Android devices.
What is the Fold Wide, and how does it relate to Apple's foldable plans?
Samsung is also reportedly working on a device called the Fold Wide, a foldable smartphone with a wider aspect ratio—around 4:5, similar to an iPad. This marks a departure from Samsung's current tall, narrow foldables. Interestingly, Apple's rumored foldable iPhone is also expected to use a 4:5 aspect ratio, making the Fold Wide a direct competitor. By launching a wider foldable, Samsung can test the market before Apple enters. The July event could include a preview of the Fold Wide alongside the Z Fold8 and Z Flip8. This move shows Samsung is not only racing in smart glasses but also in foldable devices, aiming to preempt Apple's design choices.
What is the overall competitive landscape between Samsung and Apple for these products?
Samsung's aggressive July timing targets two fronts: foldable phones and AI smart glasses. By launching weeks before Apple's traditional September iPhone event, Samsung hopes to steal the spotlight. In foldables, Samsung has years of experience, but Apple's entry with an iPad-like aspect ratio could shift consumer expectations. In smart glasses, Samsung's partnership with Gentle Monster and use of Gemini give it a polished offering. Apple, meanwhile, is playing the long game, with glasses rumored for 2027. However, Apple's September event will still be significant, likely introducing the iPhone 17 series. The race shows both companies betting on AI wearables as the next major computing paradigm, with Samsung aiming to establish an early lead.