Meta officially unveiled its latest wearable lineup at Meta Connect 2025, headlined by the new Meta Ray-Ban Display and the performance-focused Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses. With prices starting at $499, the tech giant is aggressively pushing to position smart eyewear as a viable successor to the modern smartphone, despite the significant cultural shift required for mass adoption.
The Meta Ray-Ban Display
The flagship Meta Ray-Ban Display, bundled with the innovative Meta Neural Band, is set to launch on September 30 with a price tag of $799. While current support is limited to Meta’s native applications, the company acknowledges that success depends on a broader ecosystem of third-party app integration.
Meta is positioning these devices to compete directly with upcoming hardware from industry rivals like Google and Apple. The goal is to reduce reliance on handheld devices, though the company faces a long road in changing how consumers interact with technology in public spaces.
Oakley Meta Vanguard: Built for Athletes
Targeting the fitness market, the Oakley Meta Vanguard smart glasses provide the most practical use case for wearable AI technology to date. Designed for high-intensity activities like trail running, cycling, and skiing, these glasses allow users to capture content and stream data without the need to reach for a phone.
The Vanguard model integrates seamlessly with platforms like Strava and Garmin to relay performance metrics directly to the user via open-air speakers. Unlike previous iterations, this model utilizes a single unified front lens design, which houses a 12-megapixel camera capable of capturing 3K resolution video through a 122-degree wide-angle lens.
Durability and Power
Built for the elements, the Vanguard glasses feature an IP67 dust and water resistance rating. The hardware incorporates Oakley’s signature PRIZM Lens technology to provide protection against sun, wind, and debris during outdoor excursions.
Battery performance is optimized for long sessions, offering nine hours of standard use or six hours of continuous music playback. For extended trips, the included charging case provides an additional 36 hours of capacity, with a fast-charge feature that hits 50% capacity in just 20 minutes. The Oakley Meta Vanguard will retail for $499, with sales beginning October 21.
The Metaverse: An Afterthought
Virtual Reality took a backseat at this year’s event. Meta did not announce new Quest hardware, focusing instead on software updates such as “Hyperscape,” which enables creators to build photorealistic environments. While reports suggest the company is working on an ultralight VR headset slated for late 2026, the current priority at Meta Connect is clearly shifting toward augmented and smart wearable technology.