Google has unveiled a major investment in the future of smart eyewear by committing up to $150 million to Warby Parker, the well-known consumer eyewear company, with plans to jointly develop AI-powered smart glasses based on the Android XR platform. This collaboration, announced during Google I/O 2025, marks a significant step forward in blending artificial intelligence with everyday wearable technology.
According to a joint press release, Google has already invested $75 million to support Warby Parker’s efforts in product development and commercialization. An additional $75 million in funding is contingent on Warby Parker achieving specific performance milestones, at which point Google would also acquire an equity stake in the company. This phased investment approach reflects Google’s long-term confidence in the partnership and its strategic commitment to shaping the next generation of AR-enabled consumer products.
Google’s broader smart eyewear strategy is taking shape alongside this partnership. At the same event, the tech giant also revealed collaborations with other notable brands like Samsung and Gentle Monster to create glasses powered by Gemini AI and augmented reality features. The overarching goal appears to be creating a robust ecosystem of stylish, functional AI wearables that can compete with existing offerings in the market.
This move mirrors Meta’s successful smart glasses partnership with Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica. Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses have gained traction thanks to their recognizable design and wide availability in Ray-Ban retail stores. Google appears poised to replicate this model by leveraging Warby Parker’s fashion-forward frame designs and its physical retail presence across the U.S.
The two companies indicated that their joint venture will roll out a range of products over time. Their first line of smart glasses, expected to launch sometime after 2025, will incorporate multimodal AI and be available in both prescription and non-prescription formats, marking a potential turning point in the evolution of wearable computing.
