Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is reportedly gearing up to challenge Apple’s Vision Pro headset by enhancing its Ray-Ban smart glasses with a display feature. According to a recent report by the Financial Times, this next-generation model is expected to debut in the latter half of 2025, marking a significant leap in Meta’s augmented reality (AR) ambitions.

Currently, the Ray-Ban smart glasses offer voice commands and audio feedback, but the addition of a display could transform user interactions by providing visual cues and notifications. This advancement could make Meta’s glasses more competitive in the AR space, positioning them as a lightweight alternative to bulky AR headsets.

Meta envisions its glasses becoming a seamless extension of everyday life, aiming to replace smartphones as primary computing devices. The display, designed for showcasing notifications and responding to queries from Meta’s virtual assistant, promises to enhance efficiency. Users will be able to read visual information much faster than relying on audio narration, offering a more intuitive experience.

The smart glasses are being developed in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, the eyewear manufacturer behind Ray-Ban. Priced at approximately $300 (above ₹25,000), the upgraded glasses are anticipated to appeal to tech-savvy consumers seeking advanced wearable devices.

Meta’s plans come amid growing competition with Apple, which recently unveiled its Vision Pro headset. Although the Vision Pro is not yet available in India, it represents Apple’s early steps toward developing lightweight AR glasses, reportedly dubbed Apple Glasses. Both companies share a vision of making AR technology an integral part of everyday life, with displays and voice interactions as cornerstone features.

In its pursuit of innovation, Meta previously showcased an early prototype of its Orion AR glasses, designed as a conceptual leap in AR technology. Despite its $10,000 manufacturing cost and bulky design, the prototype hinted at the potential for advanced AR devices. The upcoming Ray-Ban glasses could combine this innovation with a more user-friendly form factor.

The introduction of a display in Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses is part of a larger strategy to develop lightweight, affordable AR headsets. While Apple’s Vision Pro is a high-end device, Meta appears to be targeting a broader consumer base with a more accessible price point.

As AR continues to evolve, both companies are likely to push the boundaries of wearable technology. For Meta, integrating intuitive displays and maintaining an affordable price could be key to standing out in a crowded market.

While neither Apple’s Vision Pro nor Meta’s enhanced Ray-Ban glasses are currently available in India, the competition between the two giants is expected to accelerate the adoption of AR technology worldwide.