Stock Markets March 31, 2026

Meta introduces prescription-ready Ray-Ban AI eyewear with entry price of $499

Two Gen 2 prescription-optimized Ray-Ban Meta models arrive with adjustable fit and new software features, rolling out mid-April

By Priya Menon
Meta introduces prescription-ready Ray-Ban AI eyewear with entry price of $499

Meta on Tuesday unveiled two prescription-optimized versions of its Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses - the Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics (Gen 2) and the Ray-Ban Meta Scriber Optics (Gen 2). The frames include adjustable fit components and will be available for pre-order in the US starting at $499, with optical retailer availability and select international distribution beginning April 14. Meta also announced new colorways for existing frames, Oakley Meta options, and a suite of software updates for hands-free nutrition logging, messaging and navigation.

Key Points

  • Meta introduced two prescription-optimized Ray-Ban Meta models - Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics (Gen 2) and Ray-Ban Meta Scriber Optics (Gen 2) - with overextension hinges, interchangeable nose pads and adjustable temple tips.
  • Pre-orders for the prescription models start at $499 in the US via Meta.com and Ray-Ban.com; optical retailers in the US and select international markets will stock them beginning April 14.
  • Software updates span hands-free nutrition logging (available to US users 18 and older), WhatsApp message summaries via voice, Neural Handwriting for composing messages, and expansion of pedestrian navigation to all US cities in May - impacting consumer electronics, eyewear retail and software services.

Meta on Tuesday announced two new prescription-oriented additions to its Ray-Ban Meta lineup: the Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics (Gen 2) and the Ray-Ban Meta Scriber Optics (Gen 2). Both frames are engineered for users who require prescription lenses and incorporate mechanical features intended to improve fit and comfort.

The new models come equipped with overextension hinges, interchangeable nose pads and adjustable temple tips. Meta said pre-orders for these prescription-optimized frames start at $499 in the US and will be sold through Meta.com and Ray-Ban.com. Wider availability, including sales through optical retailers in the US and in select international markets, begins April 14.

Meta develops its AI glasses in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the owner of Ray-Ban. The company has been investing hundreds of billions of dollars in its pursuit of "personal superintelligence," aiming to bring advanced AI capabilities into consumer devices.

Alongside the two prescription models, Meta introduced additional styling and lens options across its existing wearables. New color combinations for the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) line include Skyler in Shiny Transparent Peach paired with Transitions Brown Lenses, and Wayfarer in Shiny Transparent Grey with Transitions Sapphire Lenses. Oakley Meta received new options as well, with Vanguard and HSTN models that feature Prizm lens technology.

Meta also outlined software updates for the broader Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses family. A hands-free nutrition tracking feature will allow users to log meals using voice prompts or by taking photos; Meta AI will extract nutritional information and populate the Meta AI app. This nutrition capability will be available to users aged 18 and older in the US.

Other announced software enhancements include WhatsApp message summaries accessible via voice commands, and a Neural Handwriting function for the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses. Neural Handwriting enables users to compose messages by tracing letters with a finger on any surface, and it is designed to work across Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and native messaging apps.

Finally, Meta said its pedestrian navigation feature will expand to cover all US cities in May, providing turn-by-turn directions through the glasses' display. The company did not provide additional commercialization or pricing detail beyond the $499 pre-order starting point and the April 14 availability date for optical retailers and select international markets.


Summary

Meta launched two prescription-ready Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 models with adjustable physical fittings and announced expanded styling and Oakley options. Pre-orders in the US begin at $499, with broader retail availability starting April 14. Software updates include hands-free nutrition logging for adults in the US, message summaries, Neural Handwriting and nationwide pedestrian navigation in May.

Risks

  • Availability is limited at launch - pre-orders begin online and wider availability at optical retailers and select international markets starts April 14, which may constrain near-term distribution in some regions.
  • The hands-free nutrition tracking feature is restricted to users 18 and older in the US, limiting access for younger users and affecting adoption scope of that specific health-related function.
  • Development and production are carried out in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, meaning product rollout and supply are linked to that collaboration.

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