Meta is expanding its wearable technology offerings with the launch of smart glasses in partnership with Oakley. A verified Instagram account, ‘Oakley | Meta,’ announced a product launch on June 20th. This follows Meta’s successful venture with Ray-Ban into the smart glasses market.
The new Oakley smart glasses are expected to be targeted towards outdoor enthusiasts and athletes, differing from the more casual design of the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses. These glasses will include a central, action-style camera, making them suitable for sports and on-the-go recording. This design indicates a move towards a more active and functional design.
Meta’s previous smart glasses launch with Ray-Ban has been successful, with over 2 million units already sold. The company aims to manufacture 10 million units annually by the end of 2026. The growing popularity of AI wearables is driving increased adoption, and Meta is tapping into this trend with Oakley.
Google is also entering the market, having announced new partnerships with fashion eyewear companies like Warby Parker, Gentle Monster, and Kering Eyewear. These glasses will be powered by the Android XR platform, intensifying competition. Apple is also preparing to enter the market with its own smart glasses.
Apple plans to release its first-generation smart glasses by the end of 2026. Large-scale prototype production will begin later this year, led by the Vision Products Group. The features are expected to include real-time translation, voice control with Siri, scene recognition, and turn-by-turn navigation. The glasses are likely to feature built-in cameras, microphones, and speakers, potentially offering a more sophisticated experience.