Summary: Magic Leap, once a high-profile name in augmented reality that struggled to find success, is making a comeback with a new AR smart glasses prototype developed alongside Google. Combining Magic Leap’s advanced optics with Google’s microLED technology, the companies aim to create all-day wearable AR glasses. While details remain limited and Magic Leap’s past raises doubts, this renewed partnership could signal a fresh start in the AR space.
Magic Leap and Google Team Up Again for AR Glasses
If you were hoping to see new hardware from Magic Leap, today is your lucky day. The once-hyped AR company is back with a new prototype of AR smart glasses, developed in collaboration with Google — a tech giant that also made big promises in AR glasses but faced setbacks. Though information about the prototype is scarce, initial images show a sleek design reminiscent of modern smart glasses like the Meta Ray-Ban Display.
Magic Leap shared on Twitter:
“Magic Leap is partnering with technology leaders to accelerate their AR glasses roadmap through deep expertise and technologies that deliver visuals that are stable, crisp, and clear. This week at @FIIKSA, @magicleap and @Google are unveiling an AR glasses prototype built as a…”
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What We Know About the New Prototype
Magic Leap and Google announced their partnership last year, which they are now renewing amid Google’s growing interest in XR hardware and software. The most revealing part of Magic Leap’s announcement highlights their combined technology:
“By combining Magic Leap’s waveguides and optics with Google’s Raxium microLED light engine, the two companies are developing display technologies that make all-day, wearable AR more achievable. Magic Leap’s device services integrate display hardware to ensure visuals are stable, crisp, and clear.”
In short, Magic Leap is focusing on the waveguides—the display components inside the glasses—while Google contributes its microLED light engine and software expertise, especially with the launch of Android XR, Google’s AR platform powering devices like Samsung’s Galaxy XR.
Magic Leap’s Rocky AR History
Magic Leap’s return to AR is surprising given its past struggles. Valued at around $4.5 billion in 2016, the company released only two AR headsets. The first, Magic Leap One (2018), was met with disappointment and failed to gain mainstream traction despite retail availability through AT&T. The follow-up, Magic Leap 2 (2022), was a $3,300 enterprise-focused device that also failed to catch on. Support for the original headset ended in December 2024.
Could This Be Magic Leap’s Moment?
With such a challenging track record, skepticism about Magic Leap’s chances is understandable. However, many companies with fewer resources than Google are making strides in AR glasses. This renewed partnership might just be the breakthrough Magic Leap has been waiting for. While it’s too early to be certain, there’s a glimmer of hope.
When and Where to Expect the New AR Glasses
There’s no release date yet, but Magic Leap plans to debut the new AR glasses at FII, a future tech conference currently taking place in Saudi Arabia. So, are you ready to take the (magic) leap of faith this time?