Global Background

Meta (formerly Facebook) and EssilorLuxottica unveiled the latest Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in September 2023 as the successor to the original Ray-Ban Stories. The new models added livestream capability to Facebook and Instagram, a 12-megapixel camera, improved open-ear speakers, and on-device Meta AI, while retaining the classic Wayfarer-inspired look. They began pre-orders in late 2023 in the US, Canada, Europe and other markets and went on sale from October 12, 2023 (starting at $299). Meta has reported that about 2 million pairs have been sold worldwide since launch. In April 2025, the companies announced that Ray-Ban Meta glasses would soon expand to new markets including India, Mexico and the UAE.

India Launch Details

Meta has confirmed the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses will launch in India on 19 May 2025. Pre-orders opened in mid-May on Ray-Ban's India website, and the glasses will be available online and at leading optical and sunglass retailers (including Ray-Ban stores) across the country from the launch date. Pricing in India starts at about INR 29,900 (approx. $350) for the base models. Higher-end variants carry higher prices; for example, the Wayfarer Matte Black version is listed at around ₹32,100 and certain Skyler and Wayfarer colorways at up to ₹35,700.

Models and Styles

The Ray-Ban Meta collection in India includes Ray-Ban's iconic Wayfarer frames (available in standard and large sizes) and the newer Skyler design, which is offered in a Shiny Chalky Grey colorway. Customers can choose from a range of lenses – sun lenses (tinted sunglasses), clear lenses, polarized lenses, or Transitions® photochromic lenses – and all frames are compatible with prescription lenses. Meta notes there are over 150 total frame-and-lens combinations, including variations in frame color and style, and even a transparent-frame option. In short, users in India will have the same range of styles and configurations as in global markets.

Key Features

The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses combine classic design with smart features. Key hardware and software highlights include:

• Cameras: Two onboard cameras including a 12MP ultra-wide camera for still photos and 1080p video (up to 60 seconds per clip). An LED indicator light on the right arm lights up during recording to signal active capture.
• Audio: Integrated open-ear speakers (not bone-conduction) that deliver sound roughly 50% louder than the first-gen Stories model. A built-in five-microphone array enables voice commands and clear audio capture for calls and livestreaming.
• Connectivity: The glasses support livestreaming live video to Facebook and Instagram through the camera. They also enable hands-free calling and messaging: wearers can say "Hey Meta" to send texts or make voice/video calls via WhatsApp or Messenger (and soon Instagram) without using their phone.
• Meta AI Assistant: Built-in Meta AI lets users ask questions about their environment ("Hey Meta, what's that building?"), identify songs, or control functions by voice. A companion Meta AI smartphone app logs your voice interactions (so you can review past queries) and even lets you apply generative AI edits to photos imported from the glasses.
• Live Translation: Real-time language translation is supported in English, French, Italian and Spanish (even offline, if language packs are downloaded). When wearing the glasses, you can converse in one of those languages and hear (and see) the translation live. (Note that as of launch, Indian languages are not supported for live translation.)
• Music and Media: The glasses can stream audio via Bluetooth from music apps. In India, apps like Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music and Shazam will be supported. (Voice commands for music require the default language set to English; for example, you can say "Hey Meta, play the latest Bollywood songs" and it will play Bollywood tracks via the linked service.)
• Battery Life: The eyewear offers roughly 4 hours of use on a full charge, for tasks like calling or recording video. A portable charging case (similar to an earbud case) provides up to 32 additional hours of charge.
• Storage: Each pair includes 32 GB of internal storage for photos and videos.
• Durability: The glasses have an IPX4 rating for water resistance, allowing use in light rain or sweat.

Meta AI and App Integration

Meta AI is central to the smart glass experience. Users activate the assistant by voice (simply saying "Hey Meta") to perform tasks without a phone. For example, you might ask for cooking tips based on ingredients you're holding, or have the glasses identify a song playing in a cafe. The new Meta AI app on phone works in tandem: it records your AI conversations (so you can pick up where you left off) and can apply generative edits to photos you took on the glasses. Messaging is tightly integrated too – you can dictate and send messages over WhatsApp or Messenger hands-free. (Instagram support for messaging and calls on-glasses is coming soon, as announced in April 2024.)

Official Remarks

In announcing the launch, EssilorLuxottica's Chief Wearables Officer Rocco Basilico emphasized that "the next chapter of Ray-Ban Meta is about more than innovation, it's about delivering a product that feels effortless, expressive, and accessible". He noted that the expanded global availability and new styles bring "the power of intelligent eyewear to more people, in more ways, than ever before". Meta's India announcement highlighted that with Meta AI integration, users can stay connected hands-free—streaming music or podcasts, making calls, and even going live on social media—all while keeping their hands free. The company expressed excitement at introducing this technology to Indian consumers, aiming to let people "do it all – while keeping your hands free".

Position in the Wearables Trend

The Ray-Ban Meta glasses exemplify the current push toward practical, AI-enabled wearables. Rather than a transparent AR display, they focus on using cameras, audio and on-device AI to augment reality. As one announcement notes, these glasses let users "collaborate with Meta AI on ideas based on what you see" and capture the world from a hands-free point of view. With translation and voice commands, the glasses aim to blur the line between eyewear and a personal assistant, showing how smart glasses can integrate into daily life without bulky headsets or screens. The India launch underlines Ray-Ban Meta's effort to bring these intelligent eyewear features into a mainstream market.