Mark Zuckerberg announces Meta Connect 2026 focusing on VR and AI

Mark Zuckerberg confirmed the dates for Meta Connect 2026, scheduled for September 23 and 24 at the Menlo Park campus. The company announced the event will focus on the latest in virtual reality, wearable devices, the metaverse, and artificial intelligence.

In his social media posts, Zuckerberg shared an image hinting at a new smart glasses model. The glasses are partially covered with blue markings, fueling speculation about their features.

This event will be crucial for the XR industry, coming after a year of internal reorganizations at Meta. The company aims to position itself in the next wave of computing platforms, showcasing hardware and software innovations.

Last year, Meta introduced its glasses with screens, marking a significant step in portable devices and immersive tech. For this year, expectations include deeper integration of AI and augmented reality, reinforcing their metaverse and spatial computing strategies.

Among the expected announcements, the “Hypernova” AR glasses (Meta Ray-Ban Display) are highlighted. They would feature dual microdisplays, showing alerts, maps, and a teleprompter directly in the user’s field of view. The estimated price is around USD 800, with gesture control via electromyography.

Additionally, a significant update to the Ray-Ban Meta (Generation 3) glasses is anticipated. They might include “Super Sensing” AI to recognize context in real-time and improve battery life with the Qualcomm Snapdragon AR1 Plus chip, offering six to eight hours of use.

In 2025, Zuckerberg positioned the Ray-Ban Meta glasses with new models, and at Meta Connect 2025, confirmed that AI-powered smart glasses would be the main focus, relegating traditional VR headsets. The launch of Meta Ray-Ban Display and the Meta Neural Band was announced.

This year, Meta is expected to deepen its focus on AI and AR devices, shaping a future where portable tech and immersive experiences lead the way.