All the Highlights from Meta Connect 2026 Announcements

At the bustling Meta Connect, the company introduced innovative hardware, showcasing new virtual reality glasses, an audio-only device, and the latest generation of Ray-Ban Meta AI specs.

Meta also upgraded the Ray-Ban Display, expanding its availability, and introduced a hearing enhancement feature. Furthermore, updates were shared for the popular game Beat Saber and a variety of new entertainment options for their VR platform.

Let’s explore all the announcements made during Meta Connect 2026.

One of the most significant unveilings at Meta Connect was the virtual reality glasses. Though rumors suggested a launch in 2027, Meta confirmed that the glasses will be available next spring for a price of $1,300.

Weighing approximately 100 grams, these glasses are five times lighter than the Meta Quest 3. Constructed with a magnesium alloy frame and featuring pancake lenses, they boast full-color passthrough video and a 5K display, claiming to deliver “cinema-grade clarity” with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support.

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The performance relies on a tethered puck that integrates the Qualcomm Snapdragon Reality Elite chipset, handling all processing and storage. Users can expect up to three hours of high-resolution media playback on a single charge, with fast charging capability.

Initially, the glasses will support 75 games using hand gestures. Users will also be able to stream games via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Additionally, they can connect with gaming devices via USB-C or wirelessly.

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Embracing its metaverse vision, the glasses will enable connectivity with Windows PC or Mac, employing a virtual keyboard and touchpad for productivity purposes. Users can also opt for a physical mouse and keyboard for convenience.

Similar to Apple’s Vision Pro, the Meta VR glasses will introduce holographic avatars during video calls via apps like WhatsApp and Zoom. Spatial audio will enhance this feature by positioning the voices of participants in their virtual locations.

Moreover, Meta AI will be integrated, allowing interactions through voice, eye movements, or hand gestures.

Aiming to distance themselves from the infamous reputation of camera-equipped wearables, Meta launched the audio-only Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses. Featuring a built-in AI voice assistant, these glasses support streaming music, podcasts, and make phone calls, with a battery life of up to 12 hours and a charging case that extends usage to 48 hours.

Designed for prolonged wear, the glasses weigh a mere 43 grams and feature adjustable components for comfort. They come in both classic and rectangular styles, available in 23 variations, including options for prescription lenses.

Pre-orders for the Ray-Ban Meta Audio have commenced, with shipments expected on October 13, starting at $349.

Meta also unveiled an upgrade for Ray-Ban smart glasses, now featuring a thinner design and a dedicated button for activating Meta AI. The third generation promises better battery life, reaching up to nine hours of usage.

Equipped with a 12MP camera, these glasses can record videos in 3K quality and will soon include Dolby Atmos audio support. A new dynamic photo feature allows users to take multiple snapshots, choosing the best one based on suggestions from Meta AI.

Available in various styles including Aviator, cat-eye, and Wayfarer, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 starts at $449, with limited editions priced higher.

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Meta is also expanding its own brand of glasses with new models starting at $249, alongside a limited-edition version available for pre-order that will be released on October 23.

Updates for Meta Ray-Ban Display were also announced, with expanded market availability and online ordering now possible for $799 in the US. In other countries, pricing is set at competitive rates, and various feature updates are on the way, including navigation assistance.

New functionality will allow the glasses to integrate holographic avatars into video calls, and additional web apps will be accessible through the Meta AI app.

Meta is introducing a hearing enhancement feature in its glasses designed to assist those who may hear normally but struggle in noisy environments. Users can initiate the setup and toggle it on or off via voice commands, with this additional feature expected to roll out later this year.

On the gaming front, a major update for Beat Saber is scheduled for release in the upcoming spring, featuring new hand-tracking capabilities and additional gameplay modes.

The exercise platform Supernatural will return to the store with enhanced features and upgrades thanks to a newly formed independent team.

Several new games, including Payday: Aces High and a mixed-reality version of Tetris Effect, were also teased for Meta users, signaling exciting times ahead.

In a fun twist, the beloved Ace Attorney series is set to debut in VR with Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies, allowing interactions via hand gestures and voice commands.

Meta is focusing on enhancing 3D and VR experiences with upcoming releases on its platforms, including classic films and brand-new immersive content. Disney+ will soon offer 3D streaming of popular films, while special VR versions of major titles will also become available.

A docuseries featuring NBA player Draymond Green will premiere, and an extensive catalog of movies, documentaries, and sports experiences will be rolled out to users throughout the year.

Concluding the event, Mark Zuckerberg showcased the Muse Charm, a novel hardware device designed to house the Muse Agent. This device combines personalized features along with a display, mics, and sensors into a compact form, providing always-available access to the Muse experience. Additional details will be shared later this year.