Meta Connect 2025 & Inaugural LlamaCon: What to Expect in AI and XR

Meta Connect, Meta’s annual developer conference, is a marquee event for tech enthusiasts, developers, and metaverse creators. In 2025, the conference will take place on September 17-18, promising groundbreaking updates on Meta’s XR (Extended Reality) ecosystem, AI integrations, and future hardware innovations. But before diving into Connect 2025, let’s recap last year’s highlights and introduce Meta’s newly announced AI-focused event, LlamaCon.

Recap of Meta Connect 2024

Meta Connect 2024 was a milestone for Meta’s XR ambitions:

• Meta Quest 3S Launch: The company unveiled its latest mixed-reality headset, the Meta Quest 3S, priced at $300. It aimed to bridge affordability and performance for mainstream users.

• Horizon OS Introduction: A new operating system designed to power future VR/AR devices, emphasizing seamless integration for developers and users.

• Orion AR Glasses Prototype: A sleek AR glasses concept featuring eye-tracking, face-tracking, and high-resolution displays, signaling Meta’s long-term vision for wearables.

• AI Updates: Meta showcased advancements in its Llama AI models, hinting at deeper AI integration across its platforms.

What to Expect at Meta Connect 2025?

While details are still emerging, here’s what’s on the horizon:

• Horizon OS & Third-Party Headsets: Expect updates on Horizon OS adoption, with rumors of Asus and Lenovo launching headsets powered by the OS. These devices may feature advanced tech like eye-tracking and high-fidelity displays.

• AI Glasses & Wearables: Following the success of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, Meta may announce new collaborations (e.g., with EssilorLuxottica) for sportier or premium AR glasses with built-in displays.

• New XR Tools & Content: Developers could receive tools for building immersive metaverse experiences, alongside announcements of free-to-play content and AAA game releases.

• AI Integration: Though AI will be a focus at LlamaCon (see below), Meta Connect may reveal how AI will enhance XR experiences, such as AI-driven avatars or spatial computing.

LlamaCon 2025: Meta’s AI-Focused Event

For the first time, Meta is hosting LlamaCon, a dedicated conference for its open-source AI ecosystem, on April 29, 2025. Here’s what to know:

Why LlamaCon?

• Open-Source AI Spotlight: The event will center on Meta’s Llama AI models, which CEO Mark Zuckerberg described as a “defining year” for AI innovation. Meta plans to invest $80 billion in AI infrastructure and research in 2025 alone .

• Developer Empowerment: LlamaCon aims to equip developers with tools to build AI-powered apps, from startups to enterprises. Expect technical workshops, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities.

Key Announcements Expected

• Llama 4 Unveiling: The next-gen Llama model is rumored to feature multimodal capabilities (combining text, image, and speech) and autonomous agent-like features for tasks like coding or personalization .

• AI Tools & Integrations: Meta may showcase new AI agents, chatbot enhancements, and tools for generative AI development.

• Competition & Challenges: Meta faces pressure from rivals like DeepSeek, whose models reportedly outperform Llama in efficiency. LlamaCon will likely address Meta’s strategy to stay competitive .

Meta Connect 2025 and LlamaCon 2025 mark a pivotal year for Meta’s dual focus on XR and AI. While Connect will highlight metaverse hardware and tools, LlamaCon underscores Meta’s commitment to open-source AI innovation. Together, these events signal Meta’s ambition to redefine computing platforms and AI accessibility. Whether you’re a developer, creator, or tech enthusiast, both conferences promise insights into the future of immersive tech and generative AI.

Meta Connect 2025: September 17-18 | LlamaCon 2025: April 29 .