Meta's 2026 Smart Glasses Blitz: 4 New Models Coming — Should You Buy Now or Wait?
Meta isn't slowing down — it's accelerating. An internal memo from Alex Himel, Meta's VP of wearables, reveals plans to launch four new Ray-Ban smart glasses models and an AI-powered pendantin the second half of 2026, with an ambitious goal of selling 10 million wearable devices before year-end. Here's everything we know about each model, and whether you should buy the current Ray-Ban Meta now or wait for what's coming.
4 New Models
Modelo (June), Luna (fall), RBM2 Refresh (fall), and Mojito VIP (December) — plus an AI pendant wearable.
10M Unit Goal
Meta is targeting 10 million wearable sales in H2 2026 — the most aggressive push yet for consumer smart glasses.
Buy Now?
The current Ray-Ban Meta at $379 is still the best entry point. New models are iterative, not revolutionary.
What Are Meta's Four New Smart Glasses Models?
The leaked internal memo names four codenames, each targeting a different launch window in the back half of 2026. All are expected to carry the same core feature set as the current Ray-Ban Meta — camera, microphones, speakers, and Meta AI — with design and feature variations.
Modelo is the first to arrive, potentially as early as this month. Little is known about its design, but the timing suggests it could be a new frame style targeting summer buyers. Luna and RBM2 Refresh follow this fall — the "RBM2" name strongly suggests an updated version of the existing Ray-Ban Meta line. Mojito VIP, the December release, is the most mysterious — its name hints at a premium or limited-edition offering.
What Is Meta's AI Pendant — and Should You Care?
Beyond glasses, Meta is building an always-on AI pendant designed to be worn around the neck. Built on technology from Limitless — an AI startup Meta acquired in 2025 — the pendant continuously captures ambient audio and converts it into searchable transcripts, summaries, and actionable reminders. Think of it as a personal memory assistant that never forgets a conversation.
The privacy implications are significant. Unlike Meta Ray-Ban glasses, which are visually obvious, a pendant could be far less noticeable to people around you. Meta plans to begin testing the device within the next year, with consumer availability likely in 2027.
How Does This Affect Samsung and Apple's Smart Glasses Plans?
Meta's 10-million-unit ambition puts enormous pressure on its two biggest competitors. Samsung's Galaxy Glasses are also expected in H2 2026, but Samsung hasn't shipped a single pair yet — Meta has sold millions. And Apple's N50 glasses just got delayed to late 2027, leaving Meta with an 18-month head start over Apple.
The prescription-optimized Blayzer and Scriber models(starting at $500) already expanded Meta's addressable market to the billions of people who wear prescription eyewear. Four more models in H2 2026 could make Ray-Ban Meta glasses as ubiquitous as AirPods.
What Is "Hatch" — Meta's New AI Agent for Glasses?
The memo also references an AI agent called "Hatch"coming to Meta's glasses lineup. While details are sparse, this likely represents a more capable, proactive version of Meta AI — one that can take actions on your behalf rather than just answering questions. Combined with the planned "Wearables for Work" subscription service, Meta appears to be building an enterprise-grade AI platform on top of consumer glasses hardware.
Should You Buy Ray-Ban Meta Now or Wait for Modelo?
The pragmatic answer: buy now if you want smart glasses today. The current Ray-Ban Meta at $379 is a proven product with a polished ecosystem. The new models are iterative design and frame variations, not a generational hardware leap — they all run the same Gen 2 platform.
If you specifically need prescription lenses, the Blayzer and Scriber at $500are already available. If you're on the fence and can wait until September, the RBM2 Refresh or Luna may offer incremental improvements worth considering. But don't hold out for a revolution — Meta's true Gen 3 upgrade isn't expected until 2027.
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Smart Glasses FAQ
Common questions about Meta's 2026 smart glasses plans
Quick answers to help you decide whether to buy Ray-Ban Meta now or wait for the new models.
How many new smart glasses is Meta releasing in 2026?
Meta plans to release four new Ray-Ban smart glasses models in the second half of 2026: Modelo (as early as June), Luna and RBM2 Refresh (fall), and Mojito VIP (December). The company is also developing an AI-powered pendant wearable.
Should I buy Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses now or wait for the new models?
If you want AI smart glasses today, the current Ray-Ban Meta at $379 is still the best option. The new models are iterative updates, not a generational leap. If you can wait until fall, the RBM2 Refresh may offer modest improvements to the existing line.
What is the Meta AI pendant?
Meta is developing a clip-on or pendant-style device that continuously captures conversations and ambient audio, then converts them into searchable transcripts, summaries, and reminders. It's built on technology from Limitless, an AI startup Meta acquired in 2025. Testing is expected to begin within the next year.
What is Meta's Wearables for Work subscription?
Meta is reportedly planning a business-focused subscription service called Wearables for Work, designed to monetize its smart glasses ecosystem with enterprise features. Details are scarce, but it signals Meta's intent to move beyond consumer hardware into recurring revenue.
How do Meta's new glasses compare to Samsung Galaxy Glasses?
Samsung's Galaxy Glasses (codenamed Jinju) are expected in the second half of 2026 as well, running Android XR with Google Gemini. While Samsung offers tighter Android integration, Meta has the advantage of an established ecosystem, Ray-Ban brand recognition, and a proven track record with multiple generations of smart glasses.