Meta Unveils Advanced Smart Glasses Aiming for Superintelligence
In a bold step toward integrating artificial intelligence into everyday life, Meta Platforms announced the launch of its latest smart glasses featuring a built-in display on September 18, 2025. The new device, an evolution of its previous Ray-Ban collaboration, promises enhanced AI capabilities that could pave the way for what CEO Mark Zuckerberg describes as 'superintelligence.' This development comes amid growing competition in the wearable tech sector and raises questions about privacy and technological ethics.
On the morning of September 18, 2025, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, took the stage at its annual Connect conference in Menlo Park, California, to unveil its newest innovation: Orion smart glasses. The event, streamed live to millions, marked a significant milestone in the company's push toward augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) integration. Unlike previous models, these glasses incorporate a holographic display, allowing users to interact with digital overlays in the real world without needing a separate device like a smartphone.
The timeline of the announcement began with teaser posts on Meta's social channels in the days leading up to the event. At 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, CEO Mark Zuckerberg kicked off the keynote, demonstrating the glasses' features in a live demo. He showcased how the device could project virtual screens, enable real-time language translation, and even assist in complex tasks like navigation or creative brainstorming. By noon, pre-orders were opened on Meta's website, with shipments slated to begin in early 2026. The launch was met with immediate buzz on social media, trending under hashtags like #MetaOrion and #Superintelligence.
Zuckerberg, in his opening remarks, emphasized the transformative potential of the technology. "We're not just building glasses; we're building a bridge to superintelligence," he said, referring to AI systems that surpass human cognitive abilities in all domains. "Imagine having an AI companion that anticipates your needs, enhances your creativity, and connects you to the world in ways we've only dreamed of." This quote underscores Meta's ambitious vision, which has been in development since the company's rebranding from Facebook in 2021 to focus on the metaverse.
Background context reveals that this is not Meta's first foray into smart eyewear. In 2021, the company partnered with EssilorLuxottica to release Ray-Ban Stories, which included cameras and speakers but lacked a display. Those glasses faced criticism for privacy concerns, as users could record videos discreetly. The new Orion model addresses some of these issues with improved transparency features, such as LED indicators that light up when recording. However, experts note that the path to this launch has been fraught with challenges. Meta has invested billions in its Reality Labs division, reporting losses exceeding $10 billion annually in recent years. The push for superintelligence aligns with broader industry trends, where competitors like Apple with its Vision Pro headset and Google with Project Astra are also racing to dominate AR and AI wearables.
Stakeholders have mixed reactions. Tech analyst Carolina Milanesi from Creative Strategies praised the innovation but cautioned on practicality. "This could revolutionize how we interact with technology, making smartphones obsolete," Milanesi told reporters after the event. "But the real test will be battery life and user adoption—people need to feel comfortable wearing AI on their faces all day." On the other hand, privacy advocates expressed concerns. Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, warned, "Built-in displays mean more data collection, and Meta's track record on privacy isn't stellar. We need robust regulations to prevent this from becoming a surveillance tool."
The implications of this launch extend far beyond consumer gadgets. Economically, it could boost Meta's revenue streams, diversifying from ad-dependent social media. Analysts project that the AR market could reach $100 billion by 2030, with Meta positioning itself as a leader. Societally, the glasses raise ethical questions about AI's role in daily life. Could superintelligence exacerbate inequalities, where only those who can afford such devices gain cognitive advantages? Policy-wise, governments may need to update data protection laws; for instance, the European Union's AI Act, effective from 2024, classifies high-risk AI systems, and Orion might fall under scrutiny for its biometric data handling.
Furthermore, the environmental impact cannot be ignored. Manufacturing these glasses involves rare earth minerals, and Meta has pledged to use recycled materials, but critics argue it's insufficient amid global supply chain strains. In terms of global competition, this launch intensifies the US-China tech rivalry, as Chinese firms like Huawei develop similar wearables.
As the day concluded, Meta shares rose 3% in after-hours trading, reflecting investor optimism. Yet, the road ahead is uncertain. Past Meta products, like the Portal smart display, have underperformed, and Orion's $1,500 price tag may limit accessibility. Still, if successful, these glasses could redefine human-computer interaction, blurring the lines between reality and digital augmentation. The event on September 18, 2025, may well be remembered as a pivotal moment in the quest for superintelligence, but only time will tell if it delivers on its promises or becomes another chapter in the hype cycle of tech innovation.
In the broader context of AI advancement, Meta's move aligns with predictions from experts like Ray Kurzweil, who foresee the singularity—a point where AI exceeds human intelligence—by 2045. Zuckerberg's vision echoes this, but it also invites debate on whether society is prepared for such rapid change. For now, the Orion glasses represent a tangible step toward that future, challenging users and regulators alike to adapt.