Meta’s Smart Glasses Just Got More Stylish
Meta is stepping deeper into the wearable tech world, teaming up with Oakley and Prada to launch a new line of AI-powered smart glasses. This move marks an exciting extension of its existing partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the powerhouse behind brands like Ray-Ban and Vogue Eyewear.
The new glasses aim to blend cutting-edge technology with sleek design—offering both style and smart functionality. With Oakley targeting athletes and Prada appealing to high-end fashion lovers, Meta is clearly trying to broaden its reach in the rapidly growing wearable space.
Building on Ray-Ban’s Big Win
Meta’s second-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses, launched in 2023, were a breakout success, selling over 2 million units in just over a year. Powered by Qualcomm chips, these glasses featured Meta AI, allowing users to snap photos, record videos, get instant information, and even send WhatsApp messages—all hands-free.
That success paved the way for even more ambitious plans. Now, with Oakley and Prada in the mix, Meta is looking to capture two growing markets: fitness enthusiasts and luxury shoppers.
Oakley Glasses Geared for Action
According to internal documents reviewed by CNBC, the Oakley | Meta glasses will cater to active users—think skiers, runners, and tennis players. Meta noticed that many Ray-Ban users wore the glasses during sports, so it made sense to develop a version designed specifically for that lifestyle.
The Oakley smart glasses, expected to be priced around $360, will be more weather-resistant than their Ray-Ban counterparts. They’ll carry similar tech specs from the 2023 version but with upgrades suited for the outdoors. Meta has already teased the launch on a new Instagram page, hinting at a June 20 reveal.
Prada Partnership Adds Luxury Appeal
The Prada collaboration marks Meta’s first major push into the luxury fashion space. Although no release date has been shared yet, insiders say Prada’s iconic thick temple designs are ideal for embedding hardware like microphones and processors. That means Meta’s tech can integrate smoothly without compromising style.
Prada renewed a 10-year licensing deal with Luxottica in December 2024, covering production and global distribution for all its eyewear brands, including Miu Miu and Linea Rossa. This paves the way for Meta to bring smart features to some of the most exclusive fashion frames on the market.
Big Goals and Bigger Competition
Meta isn’t alone in the race for smart eyewear dominance. Competitors are lining up:
Google recently teamed up with Warby Parker in a $150 million deal to launch Gemini AI-powered glasses by 2026.
Snap has announced its sixth-generation Specs glasses, featuring lightweight augmented reality capabilities, coming in 2026.
To stay ahead, Meta is planning even more. A third-generation Ray-Ban Meta glasses is expected later this year—this time with a built-in display in one lens, perfect for displaying directions, notifications, or real-time data.
A Multi-Billion Dollar Vision
Meta and Luxottica extended their partnership in September 2024 through a $5 billion agreement. This gives Meta exclusive rights to use Luxottica’s brands for its smart glasses, allowing it to scale rapidly and keep ahead of competitors.
EssilorLuxottica CEO Francesco Milleri has bold goals: scale up from 2 million units sold in 2023 to 10 million pairs annually by 2026.
What This Means for You
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, fashion lover, or tech aficionado, Meta’s growing family of smart glasses now offers something for everyone. With seamless AI features and fresh brand collaborations, the next era of wearable tech is arriving—stylish, smart, and ready for the real world.
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