Meta Connect 2025: 3 Smart Glasses We’ll See (And 1 We Won’t)
▼ Summary
– Meta Connect 2025 begins on September 17 at 5pm PST, featuring expected announcements about next-generation smart glasses.
– The event will likely showcase Meta Celeste, smart glasses with a display for notifications and directions, priced around $800.
– A Meta smartwatch is rumored but uncertain, possibly serving as a wearable controller rather than a full fitness tracker.
– Upgraded Ray-Ban smart glasses without displays may be introduced, offering improved specs at a lower price point.
– No new VR headset is expected at this event, with next-gen hardware like the Quest Pro 2 anticipated for 2026 or later.
The upcoming Meta Connect 2025 event, scheduled for September 17 at 5 PM PST, promises to be a landmark moment for wearable technology enthusiasts. With both CEO Mark Zuckerberg and CTO Andrew Bosworth hinting at major announcements, this year’s showcase is expected to focus heavily on next-generation smart glasses. Leaks and insider reports have already painted a compelling picture of what’s to come, though not every rumored device may make an appearance.
Leading the anticipated reveals is Meta Celeste, a device that builds upon the foundation of the popular Ray-Ban smart glasses. While retaining the sleek, fashionable design and built-in camera that made its predecessors so appealing, Celeste is rumored to incorporate a single-eye display. This isn’t full augmented reality, instead, it will likely support peripheral notifications, map directions, and photo previews. With an expected price tag around $800, these glasses represent a significant step forward in everyday wearable tech. Early skepticism around earlier models eventually gave way to widespread adoption, and Celeste may follow a similar trajectory.
Another intriguing possibility is the introduction of a Meta smartwatch or wearable controller. While rumors of a dedicated smartwatch have circulated and faded multiple times, a more plausible scenario involves a wrist-worn device designed specifically to enhance the Celeste experience. This could function as a controller rather than a full health-tracking smartwatch, potentially bundled with the glasses to justify their premium cost. Though a standalone Meta smartwatch with camera capabilities has been teased in the past, it remains firmly in the realm of speculation for now.
For those seeking a more accessible entry point, Meta may also unveil updated Ray-Ban smart glasses without displays. Recent releases like the Oakley Meta HSTN already feature improved cameras and battery life, suggesting that a refresh of the classic Ray-Ban design is overdue. Given growing competition from brands like Rokid and rumors of Android XR and Amazon entering the space, Meta would be wise to strengthen its lineup with both premium and mid-tier options.
Notably absent from this year’s expectations is a new virtual reality headset. While software updates, including potential release dates for titles like Deadpool VR, are likely, hardware announcements appear to be off the table. Leaks point toward a 2026 launch for a device currently referred to as Meta Quest Pro 2, which may feature a goggle-like design with an external battery pack to reduce weight and improve comfort. A silhouette teaser similar to the one used for Project Cambria is possible, but a full reveal is almost certainly reserved for next year.
Thankfully, the Meta Quest 3 remains a robust and capable device for most users, softening the blow of a delayed hardware update. With so much focus on smart glasses and wearable innovation, Meta Connect 2025 is shaping up to be a event centered on blending digital convenience with everyday life.
(Source: TechRadar)
