Google’s Android XR glasses dazzled at I/O, but Sundar Pichai isn’t calling it an iPhone moment yet

Google CEO Sundar Pichai

Google showed off its Android XR smart glasses at the I/O developer conference, and it got a lot of people talking. The glasses, still in the prototype stage, looked far more advanced than anything we’ve seen even compared to Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses.

But when asked if these new glasses could be as big as the iPhone — something that changes the tech world forever — Google CEO Sundar Pichai didn’t sound fully convinced. He said he’s hopeful, and excited about what’s coming, but it’s still too early to say if the glasses will reach that level of success.

In a recent chat with The Verge, Pichai reflected on Google’s long-standing dream of bringing smart glasses to the masses. From the early days of Google Glass to the latest demos at Google I/O, he says things are finally starting to come together.

“You’ll have an always-on assistant that can look at the world around you,” Pichai said, pointing to the company’s work with partners like Samsung, Gentle Monster, and Warby Parker. Google showcased Android XR and prototype glasses at I/O, and developers will get their hands on early models this year.

The idea is simple but powerful: glasses that don’t just show you information, but understand your surroundings and help you in real time—powered by AI.

But are we close to an iPhone-style moment? Not quite, Pichai admitted.

“You’re wearing something on your face. I have a prescription. The bar is higher in terms of making the experience seamless enough that you’re willing to wear it on your face and enjoy it for all,” he said.

Still, he’s confident interest will grow. “Would millions of people be trying it? I think so, yeah,” he added.

He doesn’t expect smart glasses to become as mainstream as smartphones overnight. But he wouldn’t be surprised if, by next year, he’s wearing a pair in interviews like this.

For now, Google is taking careful steps, it is putting early versions in the hands of developers and working closely with hardware partners to get the design and functionality just right.

While the iPhone took off quickly and transformed the tech world, AI-powered glasses may take longer. But one thing’s clear: Pichai and Google still believe they’re building the futurejust this time, it might sit on your nose instead of in your pocket.