This year’s Meta Connect picked up where last year’s left off: AI Glasses. Mark Zuckerberg kicked off the event with a keynote outlining his vision for Meta’s expanding suite of AI glasses, powered by personal superintelligence.

In addition to announcing a new entry into Meta’s Oakley lineup (Vanguard), the next generation of Meta Ray-Ban glasses have double the battery life, shoot in 3k video, and come with a new feature “conversation focus”—amplifying friends’ voices amid noisy environments. But the most hype was given to what had been codenamed “Hypernova” but revealed as Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses.

Meta Introduces A New Computing Platform

As the first glasses with a high-resolution display, Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses (available on September 30 for $799) set the stage of what the future of computing could be. Why? It’s all about a new wristband-controlled neural interface that that Zuckerberg described as “a huge scientific breakthrough” Although Meta’s live on-stage demos were plagued by fails, audiences got a taste for how the combined computing platform could provide everyday utility. In a way this reminds me of when the Apple Watch first hit the market as an alternative to the smartphone.

Will Consumer Intrigue Translate To Mass Adoption?

It’s been four years since Meta entered the market with the company’s first-generation Ray Ban “Stories” glasses. Still, the smart glass category remains niche. According to Forrester’s Consumer Technology Insights Survey, 2025, just 17% of US online adults (and 15% in the UK) indicate they’ve used smart glasses. That’s up from 4% (US) and 3% (UK) in 2024.

Today, Forrester ran a quick “pulse check” poll in its ConsumerVoices Market Research Online Community* to gauge interest in what Meta was likely to announce. Just over 400 people, across generations, responded from the US, UK, and Canada.

  • 20% are interested to learn more about Meta’s new “Hypernova” AI glasses.
  • 6% will likely buy Meta’s new “Hypernova” AI glasses.
  • 3% currently own Meta’s Ray-Ban AI glasses.
  • 1.5% currently own Meta’s Oakley AI glasses.
  • 1.5% currently own a competitive pair of AI glasses (not from Meta).
*Note: This poll was administered to a random sample of 406 online adults in the US, UK, and Canada in Forrester’s qualitative ConsumerVoices online community. This data is not weighted to be representative of total country populations.

Watch Out Meta, The Competition Heats Up In 2026

While Meta has the head start on AI glasses, competition is chomping at the bit. The race is on in 2026 with Samsung, HTC, and rumors of Apple and others hitting the market. This means Meta must continue to invest in innovation with its AI glasses lineup—prioritizing demonstrable consumer utility.

It’s that very innovation that our poll respondents are drawn to—describing the glasses as groundbreaking and fun, emphasizing their appeal as the “next big thing” in technology. But they also touted their potential utility—mentioning translation, navigation, recording, studying, travel assistance, and enhancing everyday convenience. The glasses are seen as tools for accessing information quickly and efficiently.

To Win Over Skeptics, Benefit Must Trump Cost

By far the vast majority (79%) of our poll respondents do not currently own AI glasses. And are not interested in owning or buying any AI glasses. Why?

  • Lack of need or interest: A significant number of respondents indicated that they have no practical use for AI glasses, feel their current lifestyle does not require them, or believe they are unnecessary compared to existing devices like smartphones.
  • Skepticism toward AI: Many expressed distrust or disinterest in AI technology, citing concerns about privacy, security, and the broader impact of AI on society. Some believe AI is overhyped or unnecessary.
  • Concerns about cost: The perceived expense of AI glasses was a recurring theme, with respondents feeling the cost outweighs the benefits or believing the glasses are simply an expensive gimmick.

Forrester clients: Let’s chat more about this via a Forrester guidance session.