Magic Leap is at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh to announce a strategic move into augmented reality (AR) glasses development and a renewed partnership with Google.
After fifteen years of research and development, Magic Leap is establishing itself as an AR ecosystem partner to support companies building glasses. As a partner, the company applies its expertise in display systems, optics, and system integration to advance the next generation of AR.
“Magic Leap’s optics, display systems, and hardware expertise have been essential to advancing our Android XR glasses concepts to life,” said Shahram Izadi, VP / GM of Google XR. “We’re fortunate to collaborate with a team whose years of hands-on AR development uniquely set them up to help shape what comes next.”
A Partner for AR Development
Magic Leap’s long history of AR research and development has given it rare, end-to-end experience across every layer of AR device creation. In that time, the company has cultivated deep expertise in optics and waveguides, device prototyping, and design for manufacturing. That foundation has positioned the company to enter this strategic role as a partner to advance AR devices.
“Magic Leap’s evolution, from pioneering AR to becoming an ecosystem partner, represents the next phase of our vision,” said CEO Ross Rosenberg. “We’re drawing on years of innovation to help our partners advance AR technology and create glasses that are practical and powerful for everyday use by millions of people.”
As the AR market grows, Magic Leap is working with more partners to transform ambitious concepts into AR glasses.
A Turning Point for AR Glasses
Magic Leap and Google’s collaboration is focused on developing AR glasses prototypes that balance visual quality, comfort, and manufacturability.
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.
The progress of this joint effort is being revealed in the prototype shown at FII—the first example of how the partnership’s innovation in optics, design, and user experience are advancing AR glasses concepts.
Prototype Debut on the FII Stage
Magic Leap and Google will show an AI glasses prototype at FII that will serve as a prototype and reference design for the Android XR ecosystem. The demo shows how Magic Leap’s technology, integrated with Google’s Raxium microLED light engine, brings digital content seamlessly into the world. The prototypes worn on stage illustrate how comfortable, stylish smart eyewear is possible and the video showed the potential for users to stay present in the real world while tapping into the knowledge and functionality of multimodal AI.
“What makes this prototype stand out is how natural it feels to look through,” said Shahram Izadi. “Magic Leap’s precision in optics and waveguide design gives the display a level of clarity and stability that’s rare in AR today. That consistency is what makes it possible to seamlessly blend physical and digital vision, so users’ eyes stay relaxed and the experience feels comfortable.”
What’s Next in AR
Magic Leap and Google are extending their collaboration through a three-year agreement, reinforcing their shared goal of creating technologies that advance the AR ecosystem.
As Magic Leap solidifies its role as an AR ecosystem partner, the company is supporting global technology leaders that want to enter the AR market and accelerate the production of AR glasses.
About Magic Leap
Magic Leap is a pioneer in Augmented Reality (AR) optics, display systems, platforms, device services and prototyping capabilities. Known for its unmatched AR optics stack, Magic Leap has developed ultra-lightweight waveguides and display systems that advance what’s possible in AR. The company’s proprietary manufacturing equipment and processes allow for the production of a broad range of precision waveguides at scale with incredibly high yield rates and quality. With more than a decade of experience in AR innovation, Magic Leap has made groundbreaking advancements in text legibility, color fidelity and rich digital content visuals while continually expanding the field of view to create engaging, immersive AR experiences. Magic Leap’s focus is on making its technology available to millions of people as a partner in the AR ecosystem. Magic Leap is headquartered in the United States with offices in Israel and Switzerland for a global footprint.
