Nothing reportedly plans to launch smart glasses next year

London-based hardware company Nothing is reportedly on track to release a pair of smart glasses next year, according to a report from Bloomberg. The glasses will likely feature cameras, microphones, and speakers, and will connect to a smartphone and the cloud to process AI queries. The planned launch represents a significant expansion of the company’s hardware strategy, which has previously focused on smartphones and audio gear.

In addition to the smart glasses, Nothing is planning to release a pair of earbuds with AI features this year. This aligns with a broader shift toward a multi-device strategy under CEO and co-founder Carl Pei, who has reportedly told employees he wants to expand the company’s remit beyond its existing smartphone lines and audio gear. This marks a change in direction for Pei, who was initially resistant to the idea of smart glasses. Previously, Pei told TechCrunch that Nothing planned to release its first AI device in 2026, though he did not specify the type of device at the time.

If the report holds, Nothing will enter a crowded hardware market currently dominated by Meta, which has launched multiple versions of its smart glasses. Nothing would also compete with other smart glasses makers such as Even Realities and Rokid. The competitive landscape is expected to grow even more crowded in the near term: Apple is rumored to release a pair of smart glasses next year, while Google’s smart glasses, developed in partnership with Samsung, are rumored to land this year.

To support these hardware ambitions, Nothing is looking to leverage AI to differentiate its products in a market where it still holds only a tiny share. The smartphone market has long been dominated by established incumbents like Apple, Samsung, and Google. However, Nothing has secured substantial backing, becoming a unicorn—which is defined as a privately held startup valued at over $1 billion—last year. This milestone followed a $200 million Series C funding round, which represents a stage of venture capital financing, that valued the company at $1.3 billion.

Why it matters

Nothing is moving beyond its core smartphone and audio business to challenge established tech giants in the emerging AI-integrated wearable market.