Google Glass, the much-publicized Augmented Reality lens developed by the search giant may have a huge following in the making. According to a Forrester study, 12 percent of the U.S. population or 21.6 million Americans are eager to wear the Google Glass or a similar device on a daily basis, CNET reports.

“Not since Apple’s iPhone debuted in 2007 has a computing device attract as much attention as Google Glass,” wrote Forrester analyst Sarah Rotman Epps in the report.

 “We have no doubt that in time, Glass will be the next iPhone.”

The AR lens promises instant, hands-free access to all the features of your smartphone and more, and is currently available only to select reviewers – particularly those who have applied via social media to become members of the Glass Explorers program.

Mounting privacy concerns has been the main hurdle for Google early on, noted the blog Design&Trend. Earlier this week, 10 government privacy and data protection officials from seven countries have expressed their concern to the Cupertino tech giant, reports the New York Times.

They said that the lens could be used to invade the privacy of others; individuals who won’t know if you’re recording the video or audio from the device.

“Out of all the products I have seen in my lifetime, it’s one of the most controversial,” said Robert Scoble, a notable tech blogger who receive the earliest version of Glass.

“People are really thrilled with it on one end, but also scared of it on the other. It’s a fun product to wear in the street and talk about.”

Many tech influencers, however, gave overwhelming positive reviews on the Glass and experiences with the AR lens that have been documented has gone viral, including a marriage proposal that happened while the “proposer” was wearing the device.

Design&Trend reports that Google Glass is expected to become available to buy in the fourth quarter of 2013 and could cost between $300-500.

The expected consumer price is way below the current $1,500 fee it has charged developers for the earliest version of the AR lens.