The competition in smart glasses is becoming increasingly intense. Here’s what to anticipate next from the frontrunner in the industry.
If you believe smart glasses are impressive now, just wait for Meta to reveal its upcoming major endeavor. Meta Hypernova is a next-gen pair of smart glasses expected to be announced on September 17, 2025, during Meta Connect 2025.
Meta Hypernova has been rumored and leaked for several months and seems to strike a balance between the fully functional computer-on-your-face, Meta Orion, and the current Meta AI-enhanced smart glasses like Oakley Meta HSTN. If I were to draw a comparison, these likely resemble a smartwatch worn on your face in terms of functionality.
Additionally, they are anticipated to come with a gesture band to facilitate effortless daily interactions. A plethora of leaks and information has surfaced before the official launch, and we have compiled everything for your convenience below. Here’s everything you need to know about Meta Hypernova!
Meta Hypernova: Pricing and availability
Meta Hypernova is set to be revealed at Meta Connect on September 17, 2025. These new smart glasses are rumored to have a retail price of $799 and are expected to include an sEMG gesture bracelet. The final retail name is believed to be “Meta Celeste.”
According to leaks, the glasses are projected to be launched sometime later this fall, with Meta reportedly believing they will sell approximately 150,000 units within the first two years due to the pricing.
Meta Hypernova: Design and features
Leaked images of Meta Hypernova, shown above, exhibit a design reminiscent of Ray-Ban Wayfarer glasses. The primary distinction between them lies in the frame thickness, as Hypernova must accommodate a display in one lens alongside additional computing circuitry and a larger battery compared to Ray-Ban Meta or Oakley Meta smart glasses.
A notable feature that sets Hypernova apart from other smart glasses is the single display housed within one lens. While it is not yet clear if this can be customized, early reports indicate that the display will be positioned in the lower part of the right lens. It appears that Meta is utilizing waveguide optics for Hypernova, as the company has recently showcased this technology.
The small display in one lens will function similarly to a smartwatch display. Given its size, Meta will need to provide concise information for quick viewing. This is likely to include smartphone notifications and turn-by-turn navigation. Leaks also suggest that a compact app launcher can exhibit six icons on the screen, akin to the mockup shown in the image below.
Meta Hypernova is likely to utilize a version of the Android operating system similar to that used on Meta Orion last year. This OS resembles a lighter version of the Meta Horizon Android-based OS powering VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3. However, we anticipate that Hypernova’s OS will be even more streamlined, unlikely featuring traditional windows or comprehensive applications like those on Orion.
Rumors indicate that the glasses will come with a selection of dedicated applications, with Meta possibly expanding this app selection in the future. Pre-installed applications thought to be included on each pair of Meta Hypernova smart glasses are Meta AI, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, a camera application, and a maps application.
Unlike Meta Orion, Hypernova is not expected to provide positional tracking. Consequently, the glasses won’t be capable of overlaying virtual objects onto the real world as a Meta Quest headset currently does. However, we anticipate that future iterations of Meta glasses will possess this capability.
An upgraded version of onboard Meta AI is anticipated to launch alongside the Meta Hypernova glasses. It is believed that this enhanced AI model can utilize live AI for extended periods and offers greater interactivity with Meta AI. This means that Meta AI will assist in recalling details such as the location of your car keys or even a person’s name throughout your day.
Google previously demonstrated a comparable feature for its upcoming smart glasses, both at Google I/O 2025 and during a TED Talk weeks earlier. Meta is investing significantly in Meta AI this year, so expect these and other exciting features to debut with Meta Hypernova.
Meta Hypernova: Gesture bracelet
The primary aspect that distinguishes Android XR-powered smart glasses from Meta Hypernova will be user interaction with the glasses. The initial wave of Android XR glasses will rely on a combination of Google Gemini and swiping gestures on the side temple to navigate apps and notifications.
Meta Hypernova will incorporate Meta AI for interaction, similar to Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta smart glasses; however, users will find that utilizing hand gestures with the included sEMG bracelet will be the most effective method.
An sEMG bracelet enables more intuitive interactions with virtual interfaces simply by using your hands and accommodates a seemingly limitless array of gestures. This GIF below demonstrates some of the gestures.
