Meta Set to Unveil New Smart Glasses Amid Controversies
By Reuters
Published: September 16, 2025
Meta Platforms Inc. is gearing up to showcase its latest innovation in augmented reality (AR) technology at its annual Connect event, scheduled for Wednesday. The tech giant, which has faced increasing scrutiny over child safety issues on its social media platforms, is expected to introduce a new line of smart glasses that integrate artificial intelligence (AI) features.
A New Era of Smart Glasses
At the company’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California, CEO Mark Zuckerberg is anticipated to unveil the first consumer-ready smart glasses equipped with a built-in display. Analysts predict that these glasses, internally codenamed “Hypernova” and likely to be branded as “Celeste,” will retail for approximately $800. This price point raises questions about market accessibility, especially given the current economic climate and consumer spending habits.
The glasses are designed to feature a small digital display in the right lens, allowing users to receive notifications and perform basic functions. However, experts caution that the device may not be as advanced as the “Orion” prototype showcased at last year’s event, which Zuckerberg described as “the time machine to the future.”
The Competitive Landscape
Meta’s foray into smart glasses comes at a time when the company is striving to regain its footing in the AI race, where it has been overshadowed by competitors like OpenAI and Alphabet’s Google. Despite its ambitious investments-over $60 billion since 2020 in its augmented reality division-analysts express concerns that the high price tag of the new glasses could limit their appeal to consumers.
Currently, Meta offers two lines of smart glasses in collaboration with eyewear brands Ray-Ban and Oakley. These existing models incorporate AI features, cameras, and hands-free controls, allowing users to livestream content directly to Meta’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.
Controversies Surrounding Child Safety
While Meta aims to innovate in the AR space, it faces significant challenges regarding user safety, particularly for children. Recent reports have highlighted troubling practices within the company, including allegations that its AI policies permitted chatbots to engage children in inappropriate conversations about sensitive topics such as sex and race. Whistleblowers have claimed that Meta discouraged investigations into potential harms associated with its virtual reality technology, raising ethical concerns about the company’s commitment to user safety.
In response to these allegations, Meta has stated that it has revised its policies to eliminate provisions that allowed chatbots to engage in romantic roleplay with minors. However, the damage to its reputation may linger as the company navigates these serious accusations.
Innovations on the Horizon
During the two-day Connect conference, Meta is also expected to introduce a wristband that enables users to control the new smart glasses through hand gestures. Additionally, an updated line of Ray-Ban glasses is anticipated, featuring improved cameras, enhanced battery life, and new AI capabilities.
Despite the challenges, Meta has managed to carve out a niche in the smart glasses market, selling approximately two million pairs of its Ray-Ban line since 2023. This achievement stands in stark contrast to the struggles faced by competitors like Google Glass, which failed to gain significant consumer traction. However, Meta’s smart glasses division has reported substantial financial losses, raising questions about the long-term viability of its AR initiatives.
Potential Collaborations and Market Outlook
There are rumors that the Hypernova glasses may feature branding from the luxury fashion label Prada, known for its distinctive thick frames. Such a collaboration could enhance the product’s appeal, but Prada has not yet commented on these speculations.
Despite the potential for high-profile partnerships, analysts remain skeptical about the glasses’ market performance. The expected price of $800 is significantly higher than the starting prices of the existing Ray-Ban ($299) and Oakley ($399) models. Jitesh Ubrani, a research manager at International Data Corporation, noted that the new glasses may be “somewhat bulky” and not particularly consumer-friendly, which could limit sales volumes.
Ubrani estimates that the device might sell “a few hundred thousand units at most,” but he believes it could serve as a stepping stone to attract developers to create applications for the platform. “This is a step to eventually build a much better mass-market headset,” he added.
Conclusion
As Meta prepares to unveil its new smart glasses, the company finds itself at a crossroads. While it aims to lead in the augmented reality space, it must also address pressing concerns about user safety and ethical practices. The upcoming Connect event will not only showcase technological advancements but also serve as a critical moment for Meta to reaffirm its commitment to responsible innovation. As the tech landscape continues to evolve, the success of these new products will depend on their ability to resonate with consumers while navigating the complexities of public scrutiny.
