Meta glasses get AR display and neural wristband at Connect

TL;DR:

Meta unveiled Ray-Ban Display smart glasses with an AR lens.
A neural wristband enables subtle finger and wrist controls.
Oakley Meta Vanguard targets athletes with a centered camera.
U.S. sales begin September 30, 2025, starting at $799.
Older Ray-Ban Meta glasses get battery and AI upgrades.

On September 17, 2025, Meta introduced the Ray-Ban Display, its first smart glasses with a built-in AR display. Mark Zuckerberg announced the device at Meta’s Connect event in Menlo Park. AP reports the glasses launch in the U.S. on September 30 for $799, with a neural wristband for low-effort control. Reuters adds Meta also revealed Oakley Meta Vanguard, a sport model at $499 for October 21. Meta’s newsroom confirms the Display launch and feature set.

Key features

The right lens shows crisp, colorful overlays. You can view captions, navigation, and picture previews. Voice AI handles tasks like messaging and translation. The neural wristband reads tiny electrical signals in your hand, so you can scroll or select without raising your arm.

Battery life is rated for a full day with help from a case. The design keeps a classic Wayfarer look. Meta says the glasses support WhatsApp, Instagram, and Messenger for sharing and live captions.

Models in the lineup

Meta now sells three types of glasses. The Display model adds the AR lens. Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 keeps a camera-first design with longer battery life and improved audio. Oakley Meta Vanguard is tuned for workouts, with better water resistance and a centered action camera that integrates with Garmin and Strava.

Quick comparison

Model	Display	Controls	Battery claim	Launch price	Ship date
Ray-Ban Display	Right-lens AR	Voice + neural wristband	All-day with case	$799	Sep 30, 2025
Ray-Ban Gen 2	No AR lens	Voice + touch	Up to 2x Gen 1	From $379	Sep 17, 2025
Oakley Vanguard	No AR lens	Voice + buttons	Up to 9 hours	$499	Oct 21, 2025

How this affects buyers

If you want hands-free prompts, captions, and map tips, the Display model is the jump. If you shoot video and stream, Gen 2 may be enough and costs less. For runners and cyclists, the Vanguard’s centered camera and water resistance make sense.

Safety and privacy

The Display keeps the camera LED indicator. You can mute the mic. Meta stores interactions to improve AI unless you opt out. Check settings on day one, and be mindful of camera rules in gyms and venues.

What happens next

Meta plans wider country rollouts in 2026. Expect more AI features over software updates. Analysts say success will hinge on price, comfort, and app utility in daily life.

Mini checklist

Pick a model: Display, Gen 2, or Vanguard.
Check fit in person if possible.
Review privacy settings at setup.
Buy the case if you stream often.
Confirm your region’s warranty support.

Why it matters

Smart glasses are moving from camera toys to daily tools. A bright lens and low-effort control make AI help feel instant. If Meta nails comfort and apps, glasses could replace some phone checks.

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