Xreal to Launch Google’s AR Glasses in 2026

Chinese augmented reality startup Xreal is set to release lightweight AR glasses running Google’s Android XR as early as the first quarter of 2026, marking a significant step in the consumer AR market.

Project Aura Takes Shape

Known as Project Aura, the AR glasses were initially unveiled at Google’s I/O developer conference in May. Aiming to compete with Apple and Meta, Google is employing a strategy similar to its approach with smartphones, supplying the Android XR operating system and partnering with hardware manufacturers like Xreal.

Notably, this is Google’s second foray into XR, following Moohan, a VR headset collaboration with Samsung Electronics, designed to rival Apple’s Vision Pro. The global augmented reality market is projected to reach $340 billion by 2028, underscoring the massive potential for devices like Project Aura (Fortune Business Insights).

Technical Specifications

Xreal announced at the Augmented World Expo in June that Aura’s field of view (FoV) exceeds 70 degrees, describing it as “the largest screen we have ever made.” The device will use a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset along with Xreal’s own X1S chip that is optimized for XR.

Xreal’s Expertise

**Wu Kejian**, Xreal’s co-founder, chief scientist and head of algorithms, stated in an interview with the South China Morning Post that “This achievement is thanks to Xreal’s extensive experience in optical engineering, enabling thinner lenses with broader fields of view.”