Google has launched a new version of its Android XR glasses—named Intelligent Eyewear—that now officially works with iPhones, thanks to the Made for iPhone (MFi) certification. The product, built in partnership with Samsung and fashion brands Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, combines eyewear fashion with wearable tech functionality. Pre-orders are live today, and the glasses will hit stores starting December 10.
What’s New: iPhone Compatibility and Key Features
The big headline is iOS support. Intelligent Eyewear uses a companion app for iPhone that handles processing tasks—such as HDR image adjustments—and stores photos or videos (up to 90 seconds) directly in Apple Photos. The MFi badge also enables Wi-Fi Aware for fast wireless transfer of media. These features turn what was once an Android-first product into something usable across device ecosystems.
Privacy has been designed into the hardware and software. A white LED flashes when the camera is capturing video or snapshots. If the indicator is covered or disabled, the glasses won’t record. There’s also an internal safeguard: when charging, the eyewear runs a hardware check. Visual commands like using the camera for translation or identifying objects won’t trigger the light and don’t store images—this media is redacted for faces and voices before anything is uploaded to the cloud. None of this content is used for advertising or model training.
Design, Functions & Specs
The eyewear also packs serious design variety. There are 30 frame styles across two fashion brands: Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. Each frame weighs between 40 and 44 grams, and includes a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera. Voice interaction is handled using “Hey Gemini,” and touch control allows tap and swipe gestures. It also features four mics and two open-ear speakers to enable voice communication and audio without obstructing ambient sound.
Users will appreciate stand-alone features too. Battery life runs up to nine hours on a single charge, with a charging case that holds seven full extra charges. Real-time translation and turn-by-turn directions from Google Maps are supported. Streaming via Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, and Audible is built in. On the iPhone front, the glasses can place calls, send 1:1 messages (including via iMessage), and relay notifications—making it feel like a fully integrated accessory rather than a niche gadget.
Pricing, Availability, and Requirements
The intelligent glasses require at least an iPhone 13 Pro or a newer model to function fully. Prices start at $395 for Warby Parker’s optical and sun frames, while Gentle Monster’s versions begin at $449. Pre-orders are open today, and retail availability begins on December 10 in the U.S. and South Korea.
Why it matters: These glasses represent a notable shift in Google’s XR strategy—expanding beyond strictly Android-powered devices and embracing broader compatibility. As mixed reality wearables aim to reach wider audiences, this level of cross-platform cooperation could set a standard for future devices. Watch for how Apple responds—either by tightening MFi requirements or signaling its own XR strategy—to this growing rivalry in the wearable tech space.
