Meta is gearing up to release an upgraded version of its Ray-Ban smart glasses in the second half of 2025, according to a report by the Financial Times. The new model will feature a built-in display, significantly enhancing the glasses’ capabilities and positioning Meta more firmly in the competitive augmented reality (AR) and wearable technology market.
What’s New?
The addition of a display marks a significant leap forward for the Ray-Ban smart glasses, which launched in September 2023 and are currently limited to audio-based functionality. The display will allow users to interact with Meta’s AI assistant and view notifications directly on the glasses, expanding their utility beyond hands-free calls, messages, and photos.
Other potential features could include navigation aids and real-time notifications from connected devices, making the glasses more versatile for everyday use. This upgrade aligns with Meta’s broader push into AR technology, spearheaded by its Reality Labs division, which also develops VR headsets.
Building on the Success of Ray-Ban Smart Glasses
Since their debut, the Ray-Ban smart glasses have gained attention for blending cutting-edge technology with the timeless design of the iconic Ray-Ban brand. The current iteration includes in-ear speakers, microphones, a discreet camera, and touch-sensitive controls, allowing users to perform tasks like taking photos and making calls seamlessly.
However, the lack of a display has been a limitation, especially compared to rivals like Apple and Google, which are exploring more advanced AR functionalities. Meta’s decision to incorporate a display aims to address this gap, potentially making the glasses a more compelling option for tech-savvy consumers.
Rising Competition in the AR Market
The upgraded Ray-Ban glasses are part of Meta’s larger strategy to compete in the rapidly evolving AR and wearable device market. Apple, Google, and Samsung are all working on their own smart glasses, with Google and Samsung expected to release Android XR glasses in 2025. Apple’s Vision Pro, which focuses on mixed-reality experiences, has set a high bar for competitors in this space.
Meta’s move to enhance its Ray-Ban smart glasses also follows its earlier demonstration of the Orion AR glasses. While the Orion remains a prototype too costly for mass production, its success with developers has reportedly accelerated Meta’s efforts to integrate similar display technology into more consumer-friendly products.
A Pivotal Year for Meta’s Reality Labs
Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, has called 2025 “the most important year in the history of Reality Labs.” The addition of a display to the Ray-Ban smart glasses represents a key milestone in Meta’s journey toward more immersive and functional wearable technology.
By combining a sleek, stylish design with advanced AR capabilities, Meta aims to attract a broader audience and compete directly with industry giants like Apple and Google. If successful, the new Ray-Ban smart glasses could further solidify Meta’s position in the AR and wearable tech markets.
Looking Ahead
As the AR market continues to grow, the stakes are higher than ever for companies like Meta. With its upgraded Ray-Ban smart glasses, Meta is betting on the convergence of style and functionality to stand out in an increasingly crowded space. Whether the move will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: 2025 will be a defining year for the future of wearable technology.
