According to sources familiar with the development, Meta is working with eyewear powerhouse EssilorLuxottica — the parent company of Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Prada Eyewear — to co-design AI-powered glasses that could hit global markets by early 2026.
While Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses were marketed as stylish and functional — allowing users to livestream, take photos, and engage with Meta AI — the next phase aims to dial up both the tech and the luxury quotient. Oakley’s sporty aesthetic and Prada’s high-fashion appeal will allow Meta to target two vastly different segments — activewear enthusiasts and luxury consumers — expanding its reach beyond the Gen Z and millennial crowd.
What to expect?
Though specific features are yet to be confirmed, industry insiders suggest the upcoming glasses will carry forward the core capabilities of Meta's second-generation AI glasses: real-time object recognition, voice commands via Meta AI, hands-free calling, and integrated speakers. However, improvements in battery life, weight distribution, and display optics are said to be in the works.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg hinted at the development during a closed-door session at the company’s annual XR roadmap briefing in April. He reportedly described the smart glasses initiative as “one of the most important pillars” of Meta’s vision for ambient computing — a future where AI can assist users in real time, seamlessly, without the need for screens.
Market dynamics
The partnership could also signal Meta’s strategy to stay ahead in the growing competition in the wearable tech space. Apple’s Vision Pro headset, while in a different category, has set a new bar for immersive computing. Meanwhile, smaller players like Solos and Xiaomi are experimenting with their own versions of smart eyewear, though none have yet matched the mainstream success Meta achieved with Ray-Ban.
Experts say Oakley, with its legacy in sports tech and high-performance optics, could attract a new demographic of runners, cyclists, and outdoor adventurers. Prada, on the other hand, may help Meta secure a foothold in fashion-forward markets like Milan, Paris, and Tokyo — where aesthetics often outweigh function.
India angle
While Meta has not confirmed India-specific launch plans, its Ray-Ban smart glasses received a muted response in the Indian market due to pricing and limited availability. However, analysts say that with growing consumer interest in wearable AI and the continued rollout of 5G, India could soon become a testing ground for future iterations — especially if Meta opts for locally relevant design collaborations in the future.
As the line between fashion and tech continues to blur, Meta’s next-gen smart glasses — now backed by globally recognised fashion labels — could reshape how we think about both eyewear and everyday computing.
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