Meta Connect 2026 Highlights: Meta VR Glasses, Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 and More Announced

Meta used its Connect 2026 event to expand its AI glasses and virtual reality lineup, announcing new Ray-Ban Meta models, additional Meta Glasses designs and its first dedicated VR glasses. The company also showcased new AI capabilities powered by Muse, hearing assistance features, updates for existing AI glasses, and several new VR games.

The biggest announcement was Meta VR Glasses, a 100-gram spatial computing device with a 5K micro-OLED display. Meta also introduced the Ray-Ban Meta Audio and third-generation Ray-Ban Meta, expanding its wearable lineup across different price points.

Ray-Ban Meta Audio Price and Features

The Ray-Ban Meta Audio are Meta's first glasses focused primarily on audio. They use open-ear speakers and weigh 43g, with Clubmaster and Burbank frame styles available across 23 frame and lens combinations. Prescription lens support is also included.

The glasses feature adjustable temple tips, interchangeable nose pads and overextension hinges. Meta claims up to 12 hours of battery life, while the charging case adds another 48 hours.

Pre-orders have started at $349 (around Rs. 33,500), with shipping scheduled to begin October 13.

Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 Gets Better Cameras

The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 features a slimmer design, adjustable temple tips and a new action button for faster access to Meta AI. It comes in 27 frame and lens combinations across Aviator, Zena and Wayfarer styles, including a limited-edition Aviator model celebrating the frame's 90th anniversary.

Battery life is rated at up to nine hours, while six microphones are used to improve background noise reduction during calls and voice interactions.

The glasses also feature a 12-megapixel camera capable of recording 3K Ultra HD video and capturing dynamic photos. Dolby Atmos video capture with 360-degree spatial audio is also planned for later this year.

The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 starts at $449 (around Rs. 43,000).

More Meta Glasses Styles and Collaborations

Meta is expanding its AI glasses range with new Capri and Nova frame shapes, alongside Kylie Jenner and LISA editions starting at $399 (around Rs. 38,300).

The limited-edition Meta Fury will initially be available through Connect and Meta Labs, while the Meta Adventurer will cost $249 (around Rs. 23,900) and launch on October 23.

Meta Glasses are also expanding to Singapore, South Korea, Mexico and the UAE, with Brazil planned next. Meta expects its combined Ray-Ban, Oakley and Meta Glasses portfolio to exceed 100 AI glasses options by the end of 2026.

Meta VR Glasses Bring 5K Spatial Computing

The biggest hardware announcement is the Meta VR Glasses, which weigh around 100g. An external puck houses the processor, battery and storage, helping reduce the weight on the user's face.

The glasses feature a 5K micro-OLED display with 37 pixels per degree, pancake lenses, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos audio. A Qualcomm Snapdragon Reality Elite processor powers the device, while the puck supports 45W charging and up to three hours of high-resolution media playback.

Users can interact with the glasses using voice commands, eye movements and hand gestures. Multiple virtual displays can be created, while full-colour passthrough allows users to see their physical surroundings. More than 75 games will support hand controls at launch, with Xbox Cloud Gaming providing access to hundreds of titles.

For entertainment, the glasses will support IMAX Enhanced content and 3D films. Disney+ will add selected 3D titles from November, while Prime Video, YouTube, DIRECTV, AMC+, Crunchyroll, Plex, ESPN and Tubi are also supported. Meta is working with James Cameron and Lightstorm Vision on additional 3D films for 2027.

Sports will include 8K, 180-degree Immersive Sports broadcasts, with ESPN, MLB, NBC Sports, TNT Sports and UFC among the planned partners.

Meta VR Glasses will launch in spring 2027 for $1,299.99 (around Rs. 1,24,600).

Muse Brings More AI Features to Meta Glasses

Meta is bringing its Muse AI agent to AI glasses in the coming months. Users will be able to interact with Muse through the glasses' camera view, while new capabilities include real-time voice conversations, a Realtime Avatar, an email address and computer-use features on Mac.

Meta is also adding connectors for services including Walmart, Best Buy, Expedia, Instacart, Notion, GitHub and Box. The company is developing a standalone Muse Charm device as well.

AI Hearing Assistance and Other Updates

Supported AI glasses will receive FDA-cleared hearing enhancement for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss in the US. The feature will cost $149.99 or be available through a Meta One subscription.

Other updates include guided running and cycling, nutrition tracking, shopping assistance, landmark-based navigation and custom audio controls. Ray-Ban Display users in the US and Canada will also receive voice-based cycling and public transport directions.

Beat Saber and New VR Games

Meta is preparing a major Beat Saber update for Meta VR Glasses and Meta Quest next spring. It will introduce Flux, a new hand-tracking mode, alongside the game's first major visual overhaul and logo change in almost a decade.

Meta also announced new VR titles including Cardmada, Dice Throne Digital, Dragon Grove, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies, Supernatural, Tetris Effect: Mixed Realities and Two Point Hospital.