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Meta Collaborates with Oakley to Launch AI-Powered Smart Glasses

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Meta (META.O) announced on Friday its partnership with sports eyewear brand Oakley to introduce AI-powered smart glasses, marking an expansion in Meta’s wearable technology lineup following the success of Ray-Ban Meta glasses.

The new product, named Oakley Meta HSTN, features a hands-free high-resolution camera, open-ear speakers, water resistance, and integrated Meta AI capabilities. The limited-edition glasses will be available for preorder starting July 11 at $499, with additional models priced from $399 launching later this summer.

Meta plans to release the Oakley Meta HSTN initially across North America, Australia, and several European countries, with further expansion to Mexico, India, and the United Arab Emirates expected by the end of the year.

The launch will coincide with major sports events this month, including Fanatics Fest and UFC International Fight Week, highlighting Oakley’s strong sports brand presence.

In the growing AI-powered wearables market, Meta faces competition from companies like Snap, which recently announced its consumer smart glasses “Specs” for release next year, and Google, which is also exploring similar technology investments.

Snap to Launch Consumer Smart Glasses in 2026, Taking on Meta in AR Wearables

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Snap Inc. announced on Tuesday that it will release its first-ever smart glasses for general consumers in 2026, stepping up competition against Meta in the augmented reality (AR) wearable market. The new glasses, named Specs, are designed to be lightweight and user-friendly.

Snap, widely recognized for its Snapchat app and AR-powered animated filters, has invested over $3 billion in developing AR glasses over 11 years, according to CEO Evan Spiegel. The upcoming Specs will build on Snap’s prior developer-only 5th generation Spectacles launched last September.

Augmented reality enables overlaying digital effects on real-world images and videos through a camera or lens, creating interactive experiences. Snap aims to expand its product offerings and revenue sources beyond the digital advertising market, which faces uncertainties due to shifting U.S. trade policies.

The company will collaborate with Niantic Spatial, a platform for augmented reality and geospatial tech, to enhance Lens Studio, Snap’s app for creators to design and publish AR lenses for the Snapchat camera and Specs glasses.

Snap’s move follows strong momentum in AR wearables led by Meta, whose Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses—developed with EssilorLuxottica—have gained popularity. Meta continues integrating AI features into its glasses to broaden appeal. Google and other tech giants are also exploring investments in smart glasses.

Apple Targets 2026 Launch for Smart Glasses, Shelves Smartwatch Camera Plans

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Apple is reportedly planning to launch smart glasses in late 2026, according to Bloomberg News, marking a renewed effort by the tech giant to expand its AI-focused wearable product lineup.

The company will begin mass-producing prototypes with overseas suppliers at the end of 2025, the report said, citing sources familiar with the matter. Apple has not commented on the development.

This move follows mixed reception for its $3,499 Vision Pro mixed-reality headset, which has faced slow adoption due to its high price and limited artificial intelligence capabilities.

Competing in the Facewear Market

The new Apple smart glasses would position the company to directly compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have gained popularity for their integration of AI and social features. Unlike the Vision Pro, the new glasses are expected to be lighter, more affordable, and likely focused on AI-powered applications such as real-time translation, notifications, or camera assistance.

Apple Watch Camera Project Cancelled

In the same report, Bloomberg revealed Apple has shelved plans for a camera-equipped Apple Watch, which was expected to launch by 2027. The smartwatch would have included functionality to analyze its surroundings using AI and capture photos — a concept Apple has now decided to discontinue.

This reflects Apple’s shifting hardware strategy to focus on products that deliver more practical AI experiences without compromising on design, privacy, or battery life.