Meta Unveils Next-Gen Smart Glasses With AI Display and Gesture Control

A New Era of AI Wearables

Meta Platforms has officially expanded its smart glasses portfolio, unveiling a consumer-ready model with a built-in display. Presented by CEO Mark Zuckerberg at the Meta Connect 2025 event in Menlo Park, California, the new Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses highlight the company’s ambition to merge artificial intelligence with everyday wearable technology.

Features of the Meta Ray-Ban Display

The Ray-Ban Display glasses come with a small digital screen embedded in the right lens, allowing users to view notifications, calls, and quick updates without looking at a phone. Each pair ships with a wristband controller, translating hand gestures into commands like answering texts or managing calls. Starting at $799, the glasses will hit stores on September 30, 2025.

Zuckerberg’s Vision of AI Superintelligence

During the launch, Zuckerberg described smart glasses as the ideal gateway to personal superintelligence. According to him, this wearable AI technology allows users to stay present in their daily lives while still benefiting from advanced tools like improved memory, enhanced communication, and real-time AI assistance. He positioned the glasses as a step toward Meta’s ultimate project—Orion Glasses, expected by 2027.

Meta’s Competition and AI Push

Despite being a pioneer in smart glasses, Meta faces stiff competition from Google, Apple, and OpenAI, which are ahead in rolling out advanced AI models. To close the gap, Zuckerberg has invested billions in AI chips and is actively recruiting top engineers across Silicon Valley. Analysts believe this aggressive strategy could help Meta solidify its role as a leader in wearable AI devices.

Other Smart Glasses Announced

Meta also introduced the Oakley Vanguard, priced at $499, designed for athletes. Integrated with platforms like Garmin and Strava, Vanguard delivers real-time training stats, post-workout summaries, and up to nine hours of battery life. The glasses will be available on October 21, 2025.

Additionally, Meta updated its earlier Ray-Ban smart glasses with nearly double the battery life and an improved camera. This model will retail at $379, up from the previous $299 price point.

Market Challenges and Consumer Adoption

While analysts do not expect the Ray-Ban Display glasses to achieve massive early sales, many view them as a strategic step toward mainstream adoption of augmented reality wearables. Industry experts compare Meta’s smart glasses debut to Apple’s introduction of the Apple Watch—initially met with skepticism, but later embraced by millions of users.

The challenge for Meta will be convincing everyday consumers that these devices offer enough value for their price, particularly in a market where wearables are still seen as luxury gadgets.

Balancing Innovation With Scrutiny

Meta’s innovations arrive at a time when the company is under heavy scrutiny over child safety on social media platforms and the risks of virtual reality exposure. Reports of chatbots engaging children in inappropriate conversations and whistleblower claims of suppressed research have amplified concerns. For Meta, balancing breakthrough technology with public trust remains critical.

Industry Outlook

According to IDC, global shipments of AR/VR headsets and display-less smart glasses are expected to rise by 39.2% in 2025, reaching 14.3 million units. Meta’s affordable Ray-Ban line is projected to drive much of this growth, while the premium Ray-Ban Display could serve as the bridge to more advanced wearables like Orion.

Analysts agree the technology is promising but emphasize that software innovation must catch up with the hardware to create a seamless consumer experience.

Conclusion

Meta’s latest announcements underline its determination to dominate the AI-powered wearable tech market. The combination of Ray-Ban Display glasses, Oakley Vanguard for athletes, and improved Ray-Ban models shows a multi-pronged strategy aimed at both lifestyle and performance users.

While challenges remain—from consumer adoption to regulatory scrutiny—Meta’s bold moves in AI and augmented reality could redefine the future of personal technology. For now, all eyes are on September 30, when the world will see whether consumers are ready to embrace Meta’s vision of AI-enhanced eyewear.