Meta unveils Ray-Ban smart glasses for prescription users

Meta Platforms has launched two new Ray-Ban prescription smart glasses, expanding its offerings in an area that has become one of the few breakthrough successes in the race for AI-powered gadgets.

The new glasses, available for pre-order in the US starting at $499, will broaden options for prescription eyewear users. CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in January that billions of people wear glasses or contacts for vision correction.

Meta said the new products — Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics and Ray-Ban Meta Scriber Optics — will become available at optical retailers in the US and select international markets on April 14.

The new models feature overextension hinges, interchangeable nose pads and optician-adjustable temple tips to make them adaptable to each user's unique face shape.

Global smart glasses shipments reached 9.6 million units last year, with Meta accounting for about 76 per cent of the total, International Data Corporation research director Ramon Llamas said. Global smart glasses shipments are expected to reach 13.4 million units in 2026.

Meta launched Ray-Ban Meta Display glasses at $799 last year, its first model with a built-in display. The Display smart glasses can also be ordered with prescription lenses for an additional $200.

Smaller rival Snap has established an independent subsidiary for its augmented reality smart glasses and is gearing up to launch the product for consumers. Google has partnered with Warby Parker to launch AI glasses.