From Engadget · Karissa Bell · · 2m
What's coming at Meta Connect 2026
Mark Zuckerberg will unveil new AI glasses, a mixed reality headset, and updates to the metaverse at Meta's biggest event of the year.
In brief
Mark Zuckerberg will unveil new AI glasses, a mixed reality headset, and updates to the metaverse at Meta's biggest event of the year. Meta is shifting from VR-only to a broader hardware strategy that includes camera-free smart glasses, a lightweight mixed reality headset called Phoenix, and new AI features across all…
Meta Connect shifts beyond VR
Meta's annual event now covers all hardware projects, AI, and the metaverse. This year's keynote on September 23 at 4PM PT will be packed with announcements from CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Camera-free smart glasses coming
Meta is developing glasses without cameras, featuring extra microphones for AI assistant conversations. The slimmer frames will look more like normal glasses and address privacy concerns about the current lineup.
Ray-Ban glasses getting updates
Ray-Ban has hinted at new Meta-branded glasses coming soon, possibly including a Gen 3 lineup or a version with displays in both lenses called Hypernova 2.
Phoenix mixed reality headset debuts
Meta's lightweight mixed reality headset Phoenix will likely make its official debut at Connect. Recent images show a thin device resembling goggles with a tethered connection to a separate puck.
Phoenix uses new Qualcomm chip
The Phoenix headset will likely be among the first to use Qualcomm's new Snapdragon Reality Elite chip, designed specifically for mixed reality headsets with slimmed-down form factors.
Holographic avatars coming to VR
Meta's photorealistic holographic avatars, first shown with the Orion prototype two years ago, are expected to come to virtual reality. An avatar of Meta's CTO may appear during the keynote.
Metaverse vision includes AR
Meta views augmented reality as central to its metaverse strategy, not just virtual reality. This shift was highlighted when the company nearly shut down Horizon Worlds earlier this year.
AI agent Muse gets glasses support
Meta's AI agent Muse will gain support for smart glasses at Connect. The company teased this feature would come soon, and it could be a major selling point for the new camera-free frames.
Third-party apps for glasses ecosystem
Meta will likely showcase new third-party apps for its Ray-Ban Display frames. The company started allowing developers to create dedicated apps earlier this year but needs to build more momentum.
Here's the gist
Meta is shifting from VR-only to a broader hardware strategy that includes camera-free smart glasses, a lightweight mixed reality headset called Phoenix, and new AI features across all devices.
