Meta’s latest smart glasses range puts wearability at the centre

From ultralight VR glasses to a camera-free Ray-Ban audio model, Meta's Connect 2026 launch demonstrates the company's efforts to create wearable technology that is easier to live with. At the Connect 2026 event in Menlo Park, Meta unveiled a new range of eyewear that emphasizes convenience and style while offering advanced features.

The company showcased ultralight Meta VR Glasses that weigh only 100 grams and feature micro-OLED panels and custom pancake optics, delivering a striking 5K display. The glasses also come with Dolby Atmos speakers and an optical tether that connects them to a 300-gram compute puck, providing up to three hours of high-resolution playback and fast charging. These features allow users to enjoy virtual cinema, flexible work, and high-end entertainment without the bulkiness of previous VR devices.

Meta's eyewear strategy now focuses on fashion, comfort, and personal taste. The company collaborated with celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Lisa of Blackpink to design collections of frames and accessories that complement a user's wardrobe and express their unique style. The Meta Glasses by Lisa collection features star details, case charms, and digital photocards inspired by Jenner's pets, while the Starfire collection from Kylie Jenner's line adds an Ivory colorway.

The camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio frames weigh just 43 grams and provide earbud-quality sound with 12 hours of playback. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 version includes a 12 MP camera, 3K Ultra HD video, and up to nine hours of battery life, along with noise-canceling microphones. The brand is also celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Ray-Ban Aviator by releasing a limited-edition in Milky Warm Beige with brown Transitions lenses.

Meta's virtual display is compatible with Mac and Windows computers and supports wireless or USB-C connections for a seamless multi-monitor workspace. Gaze and gesture controls, as well as Eye Unlock, are powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Reality Elite processor. The glasses can connect to Disney's 3D blockbusters, Star Wars: A New Hope, and Billie Eilish's 3D music video, as well as sports events from NFL and NBA partners.

Meta's commitment to wearability and social acceptance is evident in the design and features of their new eyewear. By prioritizing comfort and style, Meta aims to make the technology secondary to the eyewear itself, aiming to turn personal computing into a lifestyle default.