In a bold move that could reshape the wearable tech landscape, Samsung is preparing to unveil its AI-powered smart glasses at a special Galaxy Unpacked event in July. This launch positions the company ahead of Apple, which has been rumored to be developing similar glasses but won't release them until at least 2027. Here are 10 essential things you need to know about Samsung's ambitious plan—from its partnership with Gentle Monster to the integration with Google's Android XR operating system.

1. The Event: Galaxy Unpacked in July

Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for July 22, according to Seoul Economic Daily. This annual summer showcase typically introduces the company's latest foldable phones, but this year it will also spotlight a new category: AI smart glasses dubbed "Galaxy Glasses." The timing is strategic—coming just weeks before Apple's expected September iPhone event—allowing Samsung to steal the spotlight and set the tone for the second half of the year.

2. New Foldable Devices Alongside the Glasses

At the same event, Samsung will debut the Galaxy Z Fold8 and Z Flip8. These foldables continue Samsung's tradition of iterative improvements, but they also serve as the perfect companion devices for the Galaxy Glasses. The seamless integration between the glasses and the phones is a key selling point, with features like quick pairing, shared notifications, and AI-enhanced photo editing leveraging the phone's processing power.

3. Beating Apple to Market

Apple has been working on its own smart glasses for years, but recent rumors suggest the first model won't launch until 2027—with a possible preview in 2026. Samsung's July launch means it will beat Apple by at least three years. This head start allows Samsung to capture early adopters and refine its technology based on real-world feedback before Apple even enters the arena.

4. Partnership with Gentle Monster

Samsung is collaborating with Gentle Monster, a high-end South Korean eyewear brand known for its fashion-forward designs. This partnership ensures the Galaxy Glasses will not only be functional but also stylish—an important factor for consumer acceptance. Gentle Monster brings expertise in frame design, lens quality, and retail distribution, making the glasses a lifestyle accessory rather than a purely tech gadget.

5. Running Android XR with Gemini AI

The Galaxy Glasses will operate on Google's Android XR operating system, which is specifically built for mixed reality devices. Deeply integrated is Google Gemini, the company's advanced AI assistant. This means users can ask questions, set reminders, or get real-time information simply by speaking—no need to pull out a phone. The AI can also process video captured by the glasses' camera to answer contextual queries, like "What kind of flower is that?" while looking at a garden.

6. Hardware Specs: Camera, Speakers, Microphone—No Display

In terms of hardware, the Galaxy Glasses will include a high-definition camera, speakers, and a microphone. Notably, there will be no built-in display. This design choice keeps the glasses lightweight and discreet, resembling a normal pair of smart glasses rather than bulky AR headsets. The lack of display mirrors the approach taken by Meta's Ray-Ban Stories, which prioritize audio and camera functionality over visual overlays.

7. AI-Powered Video Queries

A standout feature is the ability to use video captured by the glasses as input for Gemini AI. For example, if you're looking at a complex machine, you can ask the glasses to explain how it works, and Gemini will analyze the video stream in real time to provide an answer. This goes beyond simple voice commands, leveraging visual context to deliver more accurate and helpful responses—something Apple's Siri is expected to offer only in later iterations.

8. Deep Integration with Galaxy Ecosystem

The Galaxy Glasses are designed to work seamlessly with Galaxy smartphones and Samsung's SmartThings home appliance ecosystem. You can control your smart lights, thermostat, or vacuum cleaner by voice commands through the glasses. Notifications from your phone will appear as audio cues, and you can dictate replies without ever touching a device. This integration makes the glasses a natural extension of your digital life, not an isolated gadget.

9. Comparison with Apple's Rumored AI Glasses

Apple's own AI glasses, expected around 2027, will likely share many features: cameras to feed visual data to Siri, speakers and microphones for voice interaction, and a display-less design for the first version. However, Apple's glasses are rumored to focus more on health tracking and augmented reality later on. Samsung's early entry allows it to define the market and establish a user base before Apple can catch up.

10. What About the Fold Wide?

Beyond the glasses, Samsung is also working on a Fold Wide—a foldable phone with a wider, iPad-like 4:5 aspect ratio. This device would compete directly with Apple's upcoming foldable iPhone, which is expected to adopt similar dimensions. The Fold Wide could debut later in 2025 or early 2026, further cementing Samsung's lead in the foldable market while Apple is still catching up on that front too.

Conclusion: Samsung's July launch of the Galaxy Glasses marks a pivotal moment in wearable technology. By partnering with Gentle Monster, leveraging Google's Android XR and Gemini AI, and integrating tightly with its existing ecosystem, Samsung is not just beating Apple to market—it's setting a new standard for what smart glasses can do. The coming months will reveal whether consumers are ready to embrace this vision, but one thing is clear: the race for AI-powered eyewear has officially begun, and Samsung has taken an early lead.