Meta, having achieved considerable success with its camera-equipped Ray-Ban smart glasses, is reportedly gearing up to launch a next-generation version with a built-in display. This move positions Meta to potentially disrupt Apple’s anticipated entry into the smart glasses market, with a projected launch date coinciding with Apple’s traditional fall product releases.
Meta’s current smart glasses focus primarily on social media capture and AI features. However, according to a Bloomberg report, the company is prioritizing the development of premium smart glasses, priced at over $1,000, for an October 2025 release. This aggressive timeline reportedly has Meta employees working diligently to meet the deadline. This launch window aligns with Meta’s annual Connect event, scheduled for September 17-18, 2025, and overlaps with Apple’s typical iPhone unveiling.
A New Display Paradigm for Meta’s Smart Glasses
Prakhar Khanna wearing the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses.
While Meta hasn’t previously ventured into smart glasses with displays, other companies like Viture, TCL, RayNeo, and Xreal have already explored this technology. Integrating a display allows users to visually interact with content, offering a significant advantage over relying solely on voice or audio input. Unlike these existing offerings, Meta’s smart glasses will reportedly feature a single display unit, positioned in the lower right corner of the lens, rather than individual displays for each eye. This monocular design will allow users to review photos taken with the device and utilize simple on-screen applications, according to the Bloomberg report.
Navigation and Functionality
Navigation on the new smart glasses will be facilitated by hand gestures on the side arms, allowing users to interact with the display. This functionality will enable map navigation, notification management, photo viewing, and other applications.
Personal wearing Ray-Ban Meta x Coperni Limited Edition Glasses.
Meta’s upcoming smart glasses are expected to run a customized version of Android, powered by a Qualcomm wearable processor. This combination aims to provide a seamless and powerful user experience. The “Hypernova” project, as it’s currently codenamed, is anticipated to have a starting price of $1,000, potentially reaching up to $1,400. This price point is significantly higher than the average $500 cost of current display-equipped XR glasses.
Meta’s Future Vision for Augmented Reality
Beyond the Hypernova project, Meta is also developing the Orion smart glasses, which feature a built-in holographic display system. Though still some years away, Meta has already offered detailed previews of this technology. Furthermore, the company continues to invest in research and development of true AR glasses through the Aria platform, focusing on scientific and industrial applications. This demonstrates Meta’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of augmented reality technology and solidifying its position in the market.
Conclusion
Meta’s ambitious plan to release high-end smart glasses in 2025 presents a significant challenge to Apple and other competitors. By incorporating a display and advanced features, Meta aims to redefine the smart glasses experience. While the price point is higher than existing models, the enhanced functionality and integration with other Meta technologies could attract a significant market share. The October launch window, coinciding with Apple’s traditional product announcements, sets the stage for a compelling competition in the evolving landscape of wearable technology.
