Google has announced a $150 million partnership with Warby Parker to develop AI-powered smart glasses, marking a bold move into wearable AI technology. The strategic alliance, revealed during Google I/O 2025 on May 20, combines Warby Parker’s signature eyewear design with Google’s advanced technology ecosystem to create AI-enhanced glasses for all-day wear.
The investment is structured in two parts: $75 million for Warby Parker’s product development and commercialisation efforts, and an additional $75 million in equity investment tied to specific collaboration milestones. This approach demonstrates Google’s long-term commitment while establishing clear performance incentives.
“Since our launch, we’ve set out to transform the optical industry by leveraging pioneering technology to design better products and experiences — and over the past 15 years, we’ve done just that,” said Dave Gilboa, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Warby Parker. “Looking ahead, we believe multimodal AI is perfectly suited for glasses, enabling real-time context and intelligence to augment a wearer’s surroundings as they move through the world.”
The announcement triggered immediate market reaction, with Warby Parker’s stock surging 14–16% following the news, reflecting strong investor confidence in the collaboration’s potential.
Google’s Android XR and Gemini at the core of AI glasses
The partnership will leverage Google’s Android XR platform for extended reality devices and integrate its powerful Gemini AI model. According to their joint announcement, the companies plan to introduce their first line of intelligent eyewear “after 2025,” featuring multimodal AI capabilities in prescription and non-prescription options.
According to Shahram Izadi, Google’s vice president and general manager of Android XR, the technology represents Google’s first platform “built in the Gemini era.” It is designed to power an ecosystem of headsets, glasses, and other wearable devices.
“Warby Parker’s optical expertise, omnichannel approach, and history of leveraging technology to create beautifully designed products and exceptional customer experiences make them the perfect partner to co-create and launch this next generation of smart glasses on the Android XR platform,” said Izadi.
Google’s strategic move mirrors Meta’s successful approach with Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica. Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses gained traction through stylish design and widespread retail availability — advantages Google aims to replicate through Warby Parker’s trendy frames and established retail presence.
The Warby Parker partnership is part of Google’s broader initiative to integrate its Gemini AI and augmented reality capabilities across multiple eyewear brands. During Google I/O 2025, the company partnered with Gentle Monster, Kering Eyewear, and Samsung for similar Android XR-powered devices.
“We know these need to be stylish glasses you’ll want to wear all day. We want you to be able to wear glasses that match your taste,” emphasised Izadi during the I/O keynote.
Private display, contextual awareness, translation capabilities, and task assistance
The planned smart glasses will feature a camera, microphone, and speakers, working with the user’s phone to enable hands-free app access. According to Google’s announcement, the glasses will feature private information delivery through an optional in-lens display, contextual awareness through AI combined with sensory tools, and live language translation capabilities, and tasks for assistance with messaging, scheduling, navigation, and photography
Neil Blumenthal, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Warby Parker, emphasised the personal nature of the technology: “The eyewear we wear and the technology we use are core parts of our identity and daily experience. Our teams are committed to leveraging design, utility, and innovation to build products to help customers in every aspect of life.”
Google’s $150 million commitment to Warby Parker represents a calculated bet that AI-powered eyewear will become a significant computing platform. By combining Google’s AI capabilities with Warby Parker’s design expertise and retail presence, the collaboration aims to create smart glasses consumers want to wear throughout their day.
As the smart eyewear market evolves, this partnership positions both companies to lead the next generation of wearable AI technology, provided they can deliver products that successfully balance style, functionality, and privacy concerns.
