Meta launches new Ray-Ban smart glasses for prescription wearers

Meta announced on Tuesday the launch of two new Ray-Ban smart glasses designed specifically for prescription wearers. The new models, which start at $499, are built to support nearly all prescriptions and serve users who require all-day eyewear. Meta states these glasses are the most comfortable ones it has designed. The glasses will be available in two styles: Blayzer, a rectangular design in standard and large sizes, and Scriber, a rounded frame style. To support all-day wear, the frames feature flexible overextension hinges, interchangeable nose pads, and temple tips that can be adjusted by an optician. The hardware will be available at optical retailers in the U.S. and select international markets starting April 14.

Alongside the new prescription-focused models, Meta is expanding its existing eyewear lineup with new color and lens options. These updates apply to Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta frames, including the Skyler frame in Shiny Transparent Peach, the Headliner frame in Matte Transparent Peach, and the Wayfarer frame in Shiny Transparent Grey. Additionally, the Oakley Meta Vanguard glasses will be offered in multiple configurations featuring Prizm and transition lenses.

Meta is also introducing several artificial intelligence features to its smart glasses ecosystem:

• Nutrition tracking: This feature allows users to log meals hands-free using voice commands or a quick photo, with Meta AI capturing key nutrition details for a personalized food log.
• WhatsApp summaries and recall: Meta is adding these hands-free features to its Early Access Program, which serves as a beta testing phase for new features. Users can ask the AI to summarize group chats or recall specific details from messages. According to Meta, these interactions are processed on-device and remain private with end-to-end encryption.

Finally, a feature called Neural Handwriting on Meta Ray-Ban Display is scheduled to roll out to all users in the coming weeks. This feature allows users to write with a finger on any surface to reply to messages silently. The handwriting input supports messaging across Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and native Android and iOS messaging platforms.

Why it matters

Meta is scaling its hardware ecosystem by addressing a key barrier for prescription wearers while simultaneously deepening the utility of its smart glasses through on-device AI integrations.