San Francisco – Meta Platforms Inc. is expanding its range of wearable devices through the launch of Meta AI glasses, developed in collaboration with Oakley. This marks Meta’s first smart eyewear project beyond the well-received Ray-Ban series.
The newly launched Meta AI glasses, priced at $399 and built on Oakley’s HSTN frame design, are aimed at athletic and performance-minded users. The glasses support 3K video capture, resist water, and offer a significantly improved battery life—appealing to users who want functionality, durability, and style in one smart wearable.
“We’ve seen growing use of our Ray-Ban models in more active scenarios—roller coasters, biking, even around water—so we’re intentionally expanding in that direction,” said Alex Himmel, Meta’s Vice President of Wearables.
Features Designed for Performance
The latest Meta AI glasses start at $399, with a premium $499 limited-edition model that features gold accents. With Meta’s built-in AI voice assistant, these smart glasses are capable of:
-
Respond to real-time questions based on the user’s environment
-
Make and receive phone calls
-
Stream music
-
Record 3K video and take high-quality photos
On a single charge, the glasses offer up to 8 hours of use, with an extra 48 hours provided via the included charging case. This boost in battery life comes from software enhancements and battery chemistry improvements—not from adding more physical battery space.
Consistent with Meta’s current approach, these Meta AI glasses are screen-free, appealing to a growing number of users who prefer wearable intelligence without the distractions of a display.
Ray-Ban’s Comeback Sets the Stage
Meta’s initial entry into smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Stories, struggled after its 2021 launch. However, a successful 2023 upgrade reinvigorated the line and encouraged the company to pursue a long-term roadmap for screenless wearable devices like the Meta AI glasses.
“We didn’t expect the level of demand. We planned for two tries and were ready to shift fully to AR if things didn’t work out,” said Himmel. “Now it’s clear this is a category with serious momentum.”
Meta reports strong year-over-year growth in smart glasses sales, with millions of units now in circulation.
Display-Enabled Glasses Coming Next
The introduction of the Meta AI glasses is part of Meta’s broader strategy for wearable AI hardware. The company is planning to roll out smart glasses with integrated displays later this year, designed to handle functions like viewing notifications or using a live viewfinder. A fully immersive AR headset is anticipated by 2027, capable of merging digital content with the physical world.
The HSTN-based model features a discreet camera in the corner of the frame, similar to its Ray-Ban predecessors. Another model, based on the Sphera design and optimized for cyclists with a center-mounted camera, is currently under development.
Accelerating Expansion Across Eyewear Brands
Oakley ranks as the second most popular brand under EssilorLuxottica SA, which also owns Ray-Ban. Meta plans to expand the Meta AI glasses platform across additional brands under its corporate umbrella.
“We’re racing the clock to bring our technology to as many of these brands as we can,” Himmel explained. “What’s trending today might not be tomorrow.”
The $499 limited-edition version of the Meta AI glasses will be open for pre-orders starting July 11. The standard $399 models will launch soon in various frame colors—grey, black, brown, and clear—with options for clear, transition, and polarized lenses. Prescription lens support will also be available, as with the Ray-Ban smart glasses.
With Apple, Amazon, and others entering the smart eyewear space, Meta is positioning its Meta AI glasses at the intersection of intelligent tech, high performance, and everyday wearability.
