Meta is gearing up to host its Connect 2025 event from September 17 to 18. During this annual event, the company will be showcasing its latest device and software innovations around AR, VR, and AI technology. While Meta has kept the major announcements under wraps, the company has accidentally leaked the first look at its updated model of Ray-Ban smart glasses ahead of the conference.
The company inadvertently published a YouTube video showing the new generation of its Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have been long anticipated for an update. Although the clip was swiftly removed, it still spread widely across social media. Within the brief leaked footage, the video showcased a first glimpse of the Ray-Ban eyewear featuring a built-in heads-up display (HUD) along with further enhancements.
The leaked video reveals the Ray-Ban smart glasses now integrate an HUD directly into the lenses. This addition means the new generation of Meta’s glasses will likely be able to display digital overlays, maps, snippets of text, appearing in real time within the user’s view. Additionally, in the video there is also a wrist-worn accessory, presumably intended for gesture or touch-based HUD control. A clear label, “Display”, on the Ray-Ban frames also hints at the new display function as the main feature this time around. This setup suggests that the new Meta–Ray-Ban model will enable expanded interaction between wearable hardware elements.
Within the same leak, Meta’s Oakley-branded smart glasses also caught viewers’ attention. These glasses suggest that Meta is likely aiming to stretch beyond the Ray-Ban collaboration for its smart eyewear. These smartglasses have a camera embedded at the centre.
Notably, as for the displays on smart glasses, Meta is not the only player. Google has also previewed its own smart glasses, operating on the Android XR platform, with a launch slated for later this year.
Meta Connect 2025
Meanwhile, Meta’s Connect 2025 conference is kicking off on Wednesday at 5pm PT (5:30am IST). The event is anticipated to spotlight advancements in smart glasses and further integration of artificial intelligence. While official statements remain minimal regarding detailed plans, speculation surrounds the expected debut of the third-generation Ray-Ban smart glasses and reports of renewed efforts on a Meta-branded smartwatch. The company has also hinted at feature updates for a product named “Celeste”—potentially including a display element—and may preview new AI capabilities that interpret and react to a user’s environment in real time.
On the software front, Meta’s chief technology officer has earlier suggested that further metaverse developments are in the pipeline, possibly covering new gaming experiences or virtual reality versions of popular streaming platforms.
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