Meta is reportedly gearing up to introduce a new high-end wearable that could have Apple feeling a little nervous. The upcoming model, believed to be called Hypernova, may take the Ray-Ban smart glasses line to the next level. 
Leaked renders have revealed what we can expect from this upgraded version, which could feature a built-in display, gesture-based controls, and a hefty price tag comparable to other premium devices. Set for release before the year ends, the Hypernova is expected to complement the already popular Ray-Ban Meta glasses, offering a more advanced, standalone experience.
The Hypernova glasses could also come with a new wrist-worn accessory, which could function as a controller for gesture-based interactions. Leaker Arsène Lupin shared a blurry image of the wristband, codenamed Ceres, which might allow users to scroll and select options by simply rotating their wrist or pinching their fingers. The wristband would presumably sync with the glasses, eliminating the need for voice commands and enabling touchless operations.
One of the standout features of the Hypernova is expected to be its small, integrated display located at the lower-right corner of the right lens. This display could feature a home screen with circular app icons, including essential apps like the camera, photo gallery, maps, and notifications from services like WhatsApp and Messenger. Although the leaked image doesn’t showcase the screen clearly, multiple sources hint at the inclusion of AR-like features. Combined with camera enhancements and more advanced AI capabilities, this device could push Meta’s smart glasses beyond the passive functions offered by current models.
As for the price, the Hypernova is rumored to be priced between $1,000 and $1,400, which is a significant jump from the current Ray-Ban Meta glasses. However, it’s still considerably cheaper than the Apple Vision Pro (though it may be closer to the price of the anticipated Apple Vision Air). This pricing could reflect Meta’s growing aspirations in the smart glasses market, a space where the company is quickly becoming a major player. Additionally, Meta is said to be working on a second-generation version of Hypernova with dual displays, though it likely won’t arrive until 2027.
This news comes just days after Apple surveyed Vision Pro users about their experiences with devices like Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses and Amazon’s Echo Frames, a clear indication that Apple is taking the smart glasses category seriously. With Apple planning to launch its own smart glasses around 2026 or 2027, it seems that Meta and Apple are on a collision course in the XR headset market.