XR Weekly: Google I/O Puts Android XR Glasses Center Stage - Week of May 22, 2026

The week of May 16-22 belonged almost entirely to Google I/O 2026. On May 19, Google confirmed two categories of Android XR-powered smart glasses - audio-first and display-enabled - developed with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker. XREAL gave press their first hands-on look at Project Aura on May 22. Off the main stage, Apple was reported to have paused Vision Pro development to focus on its own glasses, and VITURE crossed the $200M fundraising mark.

Hardware

Google and Samsung reveal Android XR intelligent eyewear at Google I/O

The biggest XR announcement of the week came from Google's developer conference on May 19: two categories of Android XR-powered smart glasses developed with Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker. The audio-first pair focuses on Gemini AI assistance, navigation, and real-time translation, while a display variant puts information directly in your field of view. Both arrive in fall 2026 and work with Android and iOS. Full coverage

XREAL Project Aura gets first hands-on demos at Google I/O

XREAL and Google held live demos of Project Aura - the first Android XR display glasses - on May 22 at Google I/O. Project Aura features a 70-degree field of view (wide enough for three side-by-side app windows), full Gemini AI integration, Google Play app support, and spatial voice and hand interfaces. An Android XR Developer Catalyst Program was also announced, with developer kits shipping in summer 2026. Read more

Apple pauses Vision Pro development to prioritize smart glasses

Bloomberg reported this week that Apple has stopped active work on the next Vision Pro, shifting resources toward a smart glasses product. The glasses are expected to feature Apple Intelligence and a camera-plus-audio design with no display, with a potential September 2026 reveal and 2027 retail launch. The move signals Apple believes glasses - not standalone headsets - are the near-term consumer battleground. Source

Software & Apps

Android XR Developer Catalyst Program opens for applications

XREAL and Google launched the Android XR Developer Catalyst Program at I/O, giving select developers early access to Project Aura hardware, the Android XR SDK, and new spatial APIs. The first cohort is limited in size, with developer kits shipping summer 2026. Demos featured immersive Google Maps navigation, YouTube VR, large-screen multitasking, and a WebXR painting app built with Gemini AI. Details

Gemini AI powers live translation and navigation in new eyewear

The I/O keynote demonstrated Gemini capabilities built into the new audio glasses: live translation, real-time navigation overlays on connected smartwatches, and automated task execution by voice. The demos highlighted that Gemini's AI layer - not just the optics - is the key differentiator for the Android XR glasses ecosystem. Source

Funding & Deals

VITURE crosses $200M in cumulative funding

Chinese XR glasses maker VITURE has now raised over $200 million across two rounds in roughly six months - one of the fastest capital accumulation paces in XR hardware history. The company sells the VITURE One and Pro XR glasses globally and has been expanding content and developer partnerships. Source

LetinAR raises $18.5M ahead of planned IPO

South Korean AR optics startup LetinAR closed an $18.5 million round this week as it prepares for a public listing. The company specializes in Pin Mirror waveguide technology used in enterprise AR devices. Funding will support production scale-up and international expansion.

Enterprise & Industry

Enterprise XR spending forecast to reach $12B in 2026

A new market report projects enterprise AR and VR spending will grow nearly 20% to approximately $12 billion worldwide in 2026. Healthcare and surgical training continue to attract the most capital - Augmedics, Osso VR, and Proprio collectively raised $324M - while industrial training, manufacturing, and remote assistance are driving broader adoption. Source

Quick Hits

• Google's new audio glasses work with both Android and iOS, unlike Meta Ray-Ban which are Android-only - a significant competitive differentiator. Source
• Meta Quest 4 development continues targeting late 2026 or 2027, with the headset possibly shipping without traditional controllers entirely. Source
• Rokid has now raised over $643M in cumulative funding, making it one of the largest-funded AR glasses companies in the world. Source
• Smart glasses grew 110% year-over-year in 2025 while VR/MR headsets declined 14%, cementing the shift in the XR market. Source
• Android 17, also announced at Google I/O, includes XR compatibility improvements and enterprise device management features for XR hardware fleets. Source

Next week, attention turns to developer feedback on the Project Aura SDK access and any Apple hints ahead of WWDC.