Ray-Ban Meta
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| Ray-Ban Meta | |
|---|---|
| |
| Basic Info | |
| VR/AR | Augmented Reality |
| Type | Smart glasses |
| Subtype | Wearable camera |
| Platform | iOS, Android |
| Creator | Meta Platforms, EssilorLuxottica (Ray-Ban) |
| Manufacturer | EssilorLuxottica |
| Announcement Date | September 27, 2023 |
| Release Date | October 17, 2023 |
| Price | Starting at $299 USD |
| Website | https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/discover-ray-ban-meta-ai-glasses |
| AI Wiki | Ray-Ban Meta |
| Versions | Wayfarer (Standard, Large), Headliner, Skyler (added 2024) |
| Requires | Smartphone (iOS or Android), Meta View app, Meta account, Wi-Fi |
| Predecessor | Ray-Ban Stories |
| Successor | Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) (2025) |
| System | |
| Operating System | Proprietary Meta firmware |
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 |
| Storage | |
| Storage | 32 GB |
| Display | |
| Display | None (audio and AI only, no visual overlay) |
| Optics | |
| Optics | Clear, polarized, Transitions, or prescription lenses |
| Tracking | |
| Eye Tracking | No |
| Hand Tracking | No |
| Audio | |
| Audio | Open-ear speakers |
| Microphone | Five-microphone array |
| Camera | 12 MP ultra-wide (1080p video, up to 60 seconds) |
| Connectivity | |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Ports | USB-C (on charging case) |
| Battery Capacity | 154 mAh (glasses) |
| Battery Life | Up to 4 hours mixed use (glasses); up to 36 hours with charging case |
| Device | |
| Weight | 48.6 g to 50.8 g (varies by style) |
| Material | Acetate frame |
| Color | Multiple frame and lens options |
| Input | Capture button, capacitive touchpad, voice ("Hey Meta") |
| Compliance | IPX4 water resistant |
The Ray-Ban Meta (marketed as Ray-Ban | Meta smart glasses) is a line of smart glasses developed through a partnership between Meta Platforms and EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban. The glasses were announced on September 27, 2023, at Meta Connect and released on October 17, 2023, with a starting price of $299.[1] They are the second generation of the partnership's smart glasses, succeeding the Ray-Ban Stories released in 2021.[2]
The glasses combine Ray-Ban eyewear designs with an integrated camera, open-ear speakers, a microphone array, and the Meta AI voice assistant. They do not include a visual display or overlay digital content onto the wearer's view; instead they focus on hands-free photo and video capture, audio playback, calls, and voice-driven AI assistance.[3] A successor with a similar design but improved battery life and video capture, the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), was released in 2025.[4] At Meta Connect on September 23, 2026, Meta announced two further models: the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3), which went on sale the same day from US$449, and the camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio, priced from US$349 with shipping from October 13, 2026.[5][6]
History
The collaboration between Meta and EssilorLuxottica began with the first-generation Ray-Ban Stories, launched in September 2021.[7] The second-generation glasses were unveiled by Meta at Meta Connect on September 27, 2023, with pre-orders opening the same day and general availability beginning October 17, 2023.[1] Compared with Ray-Ban Stories, the headline changes were a higher-resolution camera, a redesigned audio system, larger onboard storage, newer wireless connectivity, and the addition of the Meta AI assistant.[2]
In April 2024, Meta added new frame styles and began rolling out multimodal AI features that let the assistant respond to what the camera sees.[8]
Meta announced the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) on September 17, 2025, at a starting price of US$379. Meta rated the Gen 2 glasses for up to eight hours of typical use, with fast charging to 50 percent in 20 minutes and 48 hours of additional charging from the case, and raised video capture to 3K Ultra HD at up to 60 frames per second. The Wayfarer, Skyler and Headliner styles carried over.[4]
The line was expanded again at Meta Connect 2026 on September 23, 2026. Meta described the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) as "the next generation of our best-selling AI glasses", with a slimmer design, longer battery life and a customizable action button, and introduced Ray-Ban Meta Audio as its first audio glasses, a model without a camera.[9][10] Meta also announced new limited-time colors for fall 2026 on the Gen 2 Blayzer Optics and Scriber Optics frames: Shiny Brick Brown and Shiny Transparent Ocean Blue for Blayzer Optics, and Transparent Dark Olive for Scriber Optics.[6]
Design
The glasses keep the appearance of standard Ray-Ban frames, with the technology built into acetate temples and frame fronts. At launch they were offered in the Wayfarer style (Standard and Large sizes) and a Headliner style; a Skyler style was added in 2024.[1][8] Lens options include clear, tinted (sunglass), polarized, photochromic Transitions, and prescription lenses fitted by an optician.[11] Weight ranges from about 48.6 grams to 50.8 grams depending on the style.[12] The frames carry an IPX4 rating for resistance to splashes.[1]
Hardware
The glasses are built on the Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Gen 1 platform and include 32 GB of onboard storage, which Meta states holds more than 500 photos or more than 100 video clips.[1][11] Wireless connectivity uses Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3.[13]
Camera
The glasses have a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera, an increase from the 5-megapixel sensors used in Ray-Ban Stories. It records 1080p video in a portrait orientation (1440 by 1920 pixels) at 30 frames per second, in clips of up to 60 seconds.[1][13] A capture button on the right temple or the "Hey Meta" voice command triggers photo and video capture, and an external LED illuminates when the camera is active to signal recording to bystanders.[3] Livestreaming to Facebook and Instagram is supported through the Meta View app.[1]
Audio
Open-ear speakers in the temples play music, podcasts, and call audio while leaving the ears uncovered. Meta states the speakers deliver higher maximum volume and more bass than those in Ray-Ban Stories.[1] A five-microphone array, up from three in the previous generation, is used for calls, voice commands, and audio recording.[1]
Battery
The glasses contain a 154 mAh battery rated for up to about four hours of mixed use.[1][13] The included charging case holds additional charges for a total of up to 36 hours of use, and it recharges over USB-C.[1]
Meta AI
The glasses integrate Meta AI, activated by the phrase "Hey Meta." At launch the assistant handled tasks such as answering questions, controlling playback, and sending messages; the Meta AI features were available in the United States in beta at launch.[1] A 2024 update introduced multimodal features that let the assistant interpret what the camera sees, supporting capabilities such as identifying objects and translating text in view.[8]
At Meta Connect 2026, Meta announced Hearing Enhancement, which it describes as "FDA-cleared software that helps adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss hear better", for supported AI glasses in the United States later in 2026, priced at US$149.99 or included with a Meta One subscription.[9] Engadget reported that the feature would arrive first on Meta Glasses and later on the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) and Ray-Ban Meta Audio.[14] Meta also said that its Muse personal AI agent would come to its AI glasses in the coming months.[9]
Software
The glasses require the Meta View companion app for iOS and Android, which is used to pair the glasses, import and edit captured photos and videos, manage settings, update firmware, and start livestreams. A Meta account is required.[11][3]
Later models
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3)
The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) went on sale on September 23, 2026, starting at US$449 in 27 frame and lens combinations.[6] MIXED reported launch prices of 409 pounds in the United Kingdom and 449 euros in Germany.[15] The US$449 starting price is US$70 above the Gen 2's US$379 launch price;[4] Engadget's hands-on called the increase a price hike.[16]
Two frame styles are new to the line: Aviator and Zena, which Meta describes as "a bold, modern cat eye design"; the Wayfarer continues.[5][17] To mark the 90th anniversary of the Ray-Ban Aviator, Meta released a limited-edition Aviator in Milky Beige with brown Transitions lenses, starting at US$579 for a limited time in select channels.[6]
Meta rates the Gen 3 for up to nine hours of battery life, one hour more than the Gen 2 and the longest of any Ray-Ban Meta model. It has a 12-megapixel camera that records 3K Ultra HD video, a six-microphone array that Meta says cuts more than 90 percent of background noise, a customizable action button for quick access to Meta AI, temple tips that can be professionally adjusted, and a built-in LED that indicates photo and video capture.[6][5][14] Engadget noted that the six-microphone array adds one microphone over the previous model.[16] Meta also announced video recording with 360-degree spatial sound in Dolby Atmos; MIXED and Android Authority reported that this capability would arrive in an update later in 2026.[10][15][18]
Ray-Ban Meta Audio
Ray-Ban Meta Audio is Meta's first pair of audio glasses and has no camera. It supports hands-free music, podcasts, calls and conversations with an AI assistant through open-ear audio. Meta calls the frames its "slimmest and lightest frames yet" and gives a weight of 43 grams, with up to 12 hours of use per charge and up to 48 more hours from the included charging case.[6][5] The glasses come in two new styles, Clubmaster and Burbank, in 23 frame and lens combinations, and are compatible with a range of optical prescriptions. Pre-orders opened on September 23, 2026, at a starting price of US$349, with shipping from October 13, 2026.[6][19] TechCrunch connected the camera-free design to criticism of camera-equipped AI glasses being used to record people without their consent.[20]
Model lineup
| Model | Announced | Availability | US launch price | Camera | Rated battery life (glasses) | Frame styles at launch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ray-Ban Meta (first generation) | September 27, 2023 | October 17, 2023 | US$299 | 12 MP, 1080p video | Up to about 4 hours mixed use | Wayfarer, Headliner (Skyler added 2024) |
| Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) | September 17, 2025 | On sale at announcement in most markets | US$379 | 3K Ultra HD video | Up to 8 hours typical use | Wayfarer, Skyler, Headliner |
| Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) | September 23, 2026 | On sale at announcement | US$449 | 12 MP, 3K Ultra HD video | Up to 9 hours | Wayfarer, Aviator, Zena |
| Ray-Ban Meta Audio | September 23, 2026 | Pre-order at announcement; ships October 13, 2026 | US$349 | None | Up to 12 hours | Clubmaster, Burbank |
Comparison with Ray-Ban Stories
| Feature | Ray-Ban Stories | Ray-Ban Meta |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | 5 MP | 12 MP |
| Video | 720p | 1080p |
| Microphones | 3 | 5 |
| Storage | 4 GB | 32 GB |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 |
| Voice assistant | "Hey Facebook" | Meta AI ("Hey Meta") |
| Starting price | $299 | $299 |
Sources: Meta launch announcements for each generation.[7][1]
Reception and sales
Reviewers generally regarded the glasses as a marked improvement over Ray-Ban Stories, citing the camera, audio quality, and discreet design, while noting the short on-glasses battery life, the 60-second video limit, and privacy questions inherent to a wearable camera.[3][12] In February 2025, EssilorLuxottica reported that 2 million pairs of the glasses had been sold since the October 2023 launch.[21] In February 2026, EssilorLuxottica reported that more than 7 million of the Ray-Ban and Oakley branded smart glasses it makes with Meta were sold in 2025, roughly triple the 2024 figure.[22][23]
Images
Wayfarer
Skyler
Headliner
See also
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 "Introducing the New Ray-Ban | Meta Smart Glasses". Meta. 2023-09-27. https://about.fb.com/news/2023/09/new-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses/. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Ray-Ban and Meta launch the next generation of smart glasses". EssilorLuxottica. 2023-09-27. https://www.essilorluxottica.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/ray-ban-and-meta-launch-the-next-generation-of-smart-glasses/. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Song, Victoria (2023-09-27). "Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses review: the wearable camera finally makes sense". The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/23922425/ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses-review. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) Now With Up to 2X the Battery Life and Better Video Capture". Meta. 2025-09-17. https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/ray-ban-meta-gen-2-better-battery-life-video-capture/. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Everything We Announced at Meta Connect 2026". Meta. Meta Platforms. 2026-09-23. https://www.meta.com/blog/meta-connect-2026-everything-we-announced/. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 "Introducing Ray-Ban Meta Audio and Our Deepest Lineup of AI Glasses Yet". Meta. Meta Platforms. 2026-09-23. https://www.meta.com/blog/ray-ban-meta-audio-and-deepest-ai-glasses-lineup/. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Introducing Ray-Ban Stories: First-Generation Smart Glasses". Meta. 2021-09-09. https://about.fb.com/news/2021/09/introducing-ray-ban-stories-smart-glasses/. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "New Ray-Ban | Meta Smart Glasses Styles and Meta AI Updates". Meta. 2024-04-25. https://about.fb.com/news/2024/04/new-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses-styles-and-meta-ai-updates/. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "The Biggest News From Connect 2026". About Meta. Meta Platforms. 2026-09-24. https://about.fb.com/news/2026/09/the-biggest-news-from-connect-2026/. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Introducing Ray-Ban Meta Audio and More AI Glasses Styles". About Meta. Meta Platforms. 2026-09-23. https://about.fb.com/news/2026/09/introducing-ray-ban-meta-audio-glasses-new-styles-plus-muse/. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 "Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses FAQ". Ray-Ban. https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/c/frequently-asked-questions-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses review". TechRadar. 2024-07-03. https://www.techradar.com/computing/virtual-reality-augmented-reality/ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses-collection-review. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 "Discover Ray-Ban | Meta AI Glasses: Specs and Features". Ray-Ban. https://www.ray-ban.com/usa/discover-ray-ban-meta-ai-glasses. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Kris Holt (2026-09-23). "Everything announced at Meta Connect 2026". Engadget. https://www.engadget.com/2267230/everything-announced-at-meta-connect-2026/. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Shane S. Ellison (2026-09-24). "Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 costs $449, adds an hour of battery and an action button". MIXED. https://mixed-news.com/en/ray-ban-meta-gen-3-449-nine-hours-action-button/. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Karissa Bell (2026-09-23). "Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 hands-on: Better battery life and a price hike". Engadget. https://www.engadget.com/2267213/ray-ban-meta-gen-3-hands-on-better-battery-life/. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ Ben Schoon (2026-09-23). "Meta launches audio-only glasses and Gen 3 Ray-Ban with slimmer designs". 9to5Google. https://9to5google.com/2026/09/23/meta-ray-ban-gen-3-audio-only-smart-glasses/. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ Akshay Gangwar (2026-09-24). "Meta's newest smart glasses are its most affordable ones yet". Android Authority. https://www.androidauthority.com/meta-glasses-ray-ban-meta-gen-3-launched-3714910/. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ Akshay Gangwar (2026-09-24). "Meta's newest smart glasses ditch the camera to avoid the 'pervert-glasses' tag". Android Authority. https://www.androidauthority.com/ray-ban-meta-audio-muse-charm-launched-3714882/. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ Sarah Perez (2026-09-23). "Meta introduces camera-free AI glasses". TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2026/09/23/meta-introduces-camera-free-ai-glasses/. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ Hollister, Sean (February 2025). "Meta's Ray-Ban glasses have sold 2 million pairs since launch". The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/news/613292/meta-ray-ban-2-million-10-million-capacity-subscription-essilor-luxottica-earnings. Retrieved 2026-06-14.
- ↑ David Heaney (2026-02-11). "Meta & EssilorLuxottica Sold 7 Million Smart Glasses In 2025". UploadVR. https://www.uploadvr.com/meta-essilorluxottica-sold-7-million-smart-glasses-in-2025/. Retrieved 2026-09-25.
- ↑ Scott Hayden (2026-02-12). "Meta Sold Over 7 Million Smart Glasses Last Year, Effectively Tripling Sales in 2025 Alone". Road to VR. https://roadtovr.com/meta-ray-ban-smart-glasses-sales-tripled-2025/. Retrieved 2026-09-25.