Meta Platforms Inc. is gearing up for what could be one of its most significant product launches in years. On September 23, 2025, at its annual Connect conference, the California-based tech giant will unveil a new line of smart wearables, headlined by its first pair of consumer-ready smart glasses equipped with a digital display. Internally codenamed Hypernova, these glasses represent a bold leap forward in Meta’s augmented reality (AR) and wearable technology ambitions, signaling a new era for both the company and the broader tech industry.
The Hypernova smart glasses are set to feature a small, color digital display built directly into the right lens, offering a monocular field of view of approximately 20 degrees. According to CNBC and corroborated by multiple outlets, this display is designed primarily to relay basic information—think text notifications and quick alerts—rather than immersive AR overlays. The glasses are expected to retail at around $800, placing them at a premium price point compared to Meta’s previous smart eyewear offerings, such as the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses ($200–$400) and Oakley-branded models starting at $499. The new price reflects both the advanced technology packed into the device and Meta’s strategic intent to establish a foothold before competitors flood the market with similar products.
Manufacturing will be handled through Meta’s existing partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the eyewear giant behind Ray-Ban. There’s even speculation, as reported by Benzinga, that the Hypernova could be released under the Prada brand, given the thick frames required to house the device’s sophisticated components. This collaboration not only ensures high-quality design but also aims to merge cutting-edge tech with fashionable aesthetics—an approach Meta hopes will appeal to style-conscious early adopters.
But the Hypernova glasses are only part of Meta’s ambitious reveal. Alongside them, the company will introduce its first consumer-ready neural wristband, known as Ceres. This innovative accessory utilizes sEMG (surface electromyography) sensor technology, a method for reading the electrical signals generated by hand movements. The wristband allows users to control the smart glasses through intuitive gestures, eliminating the need for traditional buttons or touchpads. Apple’s Vision Pro device employs a similar technology, but Meta’s wristband is being positioned as a crucial stepping stone toward the company’s long-term goal: fully functional, seamless AR glasses that could one day replace smartphones.
According to The Indian Express, developers have already been invited to begin testing both the Hypernova glasses and the Ceres wristband. Meta is particularly encouraging third-party developers—especially those working with generative AI—to create new applications for its burgeoning wearable ecosystem. This outreach reflects Meta’s recognition that a thriving developer community is essential for building momentum and ensuring the success of its Reality Labs division, which has reportedly recorded nearly $70 billion in losses since late 2020. The stakes are high: consumer adoption of these new products is seen as critical for Meta’s broader metaverse and XR (Extended Reality) strategy.
The wristband itself has not been without its challenges. Testing has revealed accuracy issues when the device is worn loosely, as well as performance differences between men and women. There have also been problems when the wristband is used with long sleeves—an everyday scenario that Meta’s engineers are racing to address before the official launch. Despite these hurdles, Meta sees the wristband as an indispensable component of its future AR roadmap, allowing for more natural and responsive interactions with digital devices.
Meta’s Connect conference this year is expected to focus heavily on virtual reality, augmented reality, and the metaverse—a digital universe that CEO Mark Zuckerberg has championed as the next frontier of personal computing. The Hypernova launch is a natural evolution from last year’s Connect demo, which featured the experimental Orion AR glasses. While Orion showcased the potential for full dual-lens AR capabilities, Hypernova represents a more practical, consumer-ready solution—albeit with a limited display and basic functionality. This incremental approach, according to reporting from UploadVR and Times of India, is part of Meta’s calculated strategy to attract early adopters, gather real-world feedback, and refine its products before rolling out more advanced features in future generations.
In addition to Hypernova and the Ceres wristband, Meta is also set to announce a third-generation version of its voice-only smart glasses, developed in collaboration with Luxottica. U.S. Customs documentation describes the device as “The Next Generation Smart Glasses,” featuring capacitive touch components that enable gesture-based interactions. This upgrade aims to keep Meta’s existing product line competitive, while also providing a more affordable entry point for consumers who may not be ready to invest in a display-equipped device.
The commercial importance of these launches cannot be overstated. Meta and Ray-Ban have sold over two million pairs of their second-generation voice-only glasses since 2023, with Luxottica reporting a tripling of year-over-year revenue from smart glasses sales. These figures underscore the growing appetite for wearable tech, even as the market remains highly competitive and unpredictable. Meta’s decision to price Hypernova at $800 is a calculated risk, designed to position the device as both aspirational and accessible, while also undercutting potential rivals in the high-end wearable segment.
Industry analysts suggest that Hypernova could disrupt not just the smart glasses market, but also challenge high-end smartwatches, tablets, and even entry-level laptops. The device’s combination of hands-free notifications, gesture controls, and stylish design may appeal to tech enthusiasts, professionals, and fashion-forward consumers alike. And with Meta’s aggressive push into developer engagement—especially in the realm of generative AI—the company hopes to foster a vibrant ecosystem of apps and services that will keep users coming back for more.
Of course, the road ahead is far from certain. Meta’s Reality Labs division has absorbed massive financial losses in pursuit of its AR and metaverse dreams. The company’s leadership is betting big that products like Hypernova and the Ceres wristband will finally deliver the breakthrough needed to make AR mainstream. As the Connect conference approaches, both industry insiders and everyday consumers will be watching closely to see if Meta’s gamble pays off—or if the future of wearable tech remains just out of reach.
For now, all eyes are on September 23, when Meta will try to convince the world that smart glasses are ready to move from the realm of science fiction to everyday reality.
