The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have entered a new phase with the announcement of the Ray-Ban Meta Display and the upgraded Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2). Both models bring fresh improvements for U.S. users, making smart glasses more practical and stylish than ever before.
Ray-Ban Meta Display: First with Built-In Screen
The most significant development is the new Ray-Ban Meta Display, the first in the line to include a built-in lens display. The right lens features a small screen that shows notifications, live captions, and navigation details.
Control is handled through the Meta Neural Band, a wristband that detects subtle finger and hand movements, allowing users to interact without touching the glasses directly. This means functions like messaging, translation, or video calls can be managed with simple gestures.
Key highlights of Ray-Ban Meta Display:
- Built-in display in the right lens
- Gesture-based controls via the Neural Band
- Live captions and real-time translations
- Video calls and messaging without checking your phone
- About 6 hours of mixed-use battery life
The Ray-Ban Meta Display is priced at $799 in the U.S. and will be available starting September 30, 2025 through select retailers including Best Buy, Sunglass Hut, and Ray-Ban stores.
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2): Better Battery, Video, and AI
Alongside the display model, Meta also introduced the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), an upgrade to the original glasses. This version keeps the iconic Ray-Ban look but adds major performance improvements.
The battery life has nearly doubled, now offering up to 8 hours of typical use on a single charge. Video quality also gets a big leap, with 3K Ultra HD recording at smoother frame rates and an ultrawide HDR lens for sharper, more vibrant clips.
Key highlights of Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2):
- Up to 8 hours of battery life
- 48-hour charging support with the case
- 3K Ultra HD video capture at up to 60fps
- Improved microphones with conversation focus to enhance speech clarity in noisy areas
- Expanded live translation, now supporting multiple additional languages
- More frame styles to fit different looks
The Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) starts at $379 and is available in the U.S. immediately.
Price & Availability Overview
| Model | Price | U.S. Release Date | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ray-Ban Meta Display | $799 | September 30, 2025 | Display lens, Neural Band control, translations, video calls |
| Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) | $379 | Available now | 8-hour battery, 3K Ultra HD video, AI-enhanced audio |
Why These Glasses Matter
These launches show how quickly wearable technology is evolving. The Ray-Ban Meta Display moves closer toward true augmented reality experiences by placing information directly in your field of view. Meanwhile, the Gen 2 model gives existing fans better battery life, sharper video, and smarter AI features—making it more useful for daily life.
For U.S. consumers, this means smart glasses are no longer just experimental gadgets. With pricing options at both $379 and $799, buyers can choose between an improved everyday wearable or a cutting-edge device with display and gesture control.
Challenges to Watch
- High Price Point: At nearly $800, the Display model may appeal mainly to early adopters.
- Battery Trade-Offs: Heavy video or display use could still drain power faster.
- Privacy Concerns: Built-in cameras and microphones may raise questions in public spaces.
Final Word
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses are shaping the future of wearables. With the Display model pushing into new territory and the Gen 2 refining what users already love, these launches could help smart glasses move from niche to mainstream.
What do you think—are these upgrades enough to make smart glasses part of your everyday life? Drop a comment and share your thoughts.