TL;DR
Meta Connect 2026 is scheduled for September 23-24 in Menlo Park. The event is expected to unveil new VR and AR devices, including the anticipated ultralight headset and multiple smart glasses models. Details remain subject to official confirmation.
Meta has officially announced that its annual XR conference, Connect 2026, will take place on September 23 and 24 at its Menlo Park campus, where the company is expected to unveil new VR, AR, and smart glasses hardware, including the highly anticipated ultralight headset.
Meta Connect 2026 marks the return of the company’s flagship XR event, following a hiatus since the last F8 in 2021. The event will feature a keynote and developer sessions focused on VR, wearables, the metaverse, and AI, with the company emphasizing its growth in the smart glasses market, which sold over 7 million units in 2025.
Among the anticipated hardware reveals is Meta’s next-generation ultralight headset, codenamed Phoenix, which has been depicted in leaked firmware images. This device is expected to feature an open periphery design and a tethered compute puck, with a launch targeted for the first half of 2027. Additionally, Meta plans to introduce four new smart glasses models this year, including potential variants of its Ray-Ban line and the Prada Meta Glasses, as well as testing its first consumer AR glasses, codenamed Artemis.
While these details are based on leaks and reports, Meta has not yet officially confirmed specific product announcements, and the event’s full lineup remains under wraps.
Why Meta Connect 2026 Matters for XR Innovation
This event is significant because it signals Meta’s ongoing investment in XR hardware, aiming to solidify its position in the emerging metaverse and wearable device markets. The unveiling of new headsets and glasses could influence industry standards and consumer adoption, impacting competitors and the broader tech ecosystem. The event also provides insight into Meta’s future vision for immersive computing and AI integration, making it a key moment for industry watchers and developers.
Meta Quest 3S 128GB | VR Headset — Thirty-Three Percent More Memory — Virtual Reality Without Wires — Access to 40+ Games with a 3-Month Trial of Meta Horizon+ Included (Renewed Premium)
NO WIRES, MORE FUN — Break free from cords. Game, play, exercise and explore immersive worlds — untethered…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Background and Industry Expectations for Meta Connect 2026
Meta has been a major player in XR hardware development since its rebranding from Oculus, with a focus on VR headsets and smart glasses. The company’s last major device, the Quest Pro, launched in late 2022, and recent leaks suggest a new ultralight headset, codenamed Phoenix, is nearing release, with a target launch in 2027. Meanwhile, Meta’s smart glasses line has seen rapid growth, with over 7 million units sold in 2025 and ongoing development of new models, including potential AR glasses codenamed Artemis.
Industry analysts expect Meta to showcase its latest hardware innovations at Connect 2026, especially as competitors like Snap prepare to launch their own AR glasses. The event continues Meta’s tradition of blending hardware, software, and research updates into a comprehensive presentation of its XR ambitions.
“Meta is excited to share the future of XR at Connect 2026, including new hardware and software innovations that will shape the next computing platform.”
— Meta spokesperson (expected)
Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 2), Wayfarer, Matte Black | Smart AI Glasses for Men, Women — 2x Battery Life — 3K Ultra HD — 12 MP Ultra-Wide Camera, Audio, Video Recording — Clear Lenses — Wearable Technology
#1 SELLING AI GLASSES – Tap into iconic style for men and women, and advanced technology with the…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Unconfirmed Details and Product Launch Timelines
While leaks and reports suggest the upcoming ultralight headset and new smart glasses, Meta has not officially confirmed these products or their specifications. The exact timing of product launches, features, and availability remains uncertain, and details about the Artemis AR glasses are still speculative.
Meta Ray-Ban (Gen 2), Wayfarer, Matte Black | Smart AI Glasses for Men, Women — 2x Battery Life — 3K Ultra HD — 12 MP Ultra-Wide Camera, Audio, Video Recording — Clear Lenses — Wearable Technology
#1 SELLING AI GLASSES – Tap into iconic style for men and women, and advanced technology with the…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Next Steps and Anticipated Announcements at Connect 2026
Meta is expected to officially unveil or tease its new XR hardware lineup during the event, including the ultralight headset and multiple smart glasses models. The company may also share software updates, research developments, and strategic vision for the metaverse. Following the event, product release timelines and detailed specifications will likely be clarified through official channels and subsequent announcements.
Meta Quest 3S 128GB | VR Headset — Thirty-Three Percent More Memory — Virtual Reality Without Wires — Access to 40+ Games with a 3-Month Trial of Meta Horizon+ Included (Renewed Premium)
NO WIRES, MORE FUN — Break free from cords. Game, play, exercise and explore immersive worlds — untethered…
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
Will Meta announce the full specifications of the new headset at Connect 2026?
It is not yet confirmed whether Meta will reveal full specifications during the event. Leaks suggest an announcement or teaser is possible, with detailed specs likely to follow later.
What new smart glasses models are expected to be announced?
Meta plans to introduce four new models this year, including potential variants of Ray-Ban glasses and the Prada Meta Glasses. The exact features and release dates are still unconfirmed.
When will the Artemis AR glasses be available to consumers?
Meta is testing Artemis, its first consumer AR glasses, but a release date has not been announced. They are expected to be sleeker than previous prototypes, with a narrower field of view.
How does Meta’s new hardware compare to competitors?
While detailed comparisons are premature, leaks suggest Meta is focusing on lightweight, consumer-friendly designs that could challenge offerings from companies like Snap and Apple in the AR and VR markets.
Will Meta’s Connect 2026 influence the broader XR industry?
Yes, as a major industry event, it could set trends and standards, especially if Meta unveils significant hardware and software innovations that shape future developments.
Source: UploadVR
