Meta Connect 2026 Preview: New AI Glasses and a 'Phoenix' Mixed Reality Headset

Engadget reported that Connect was once solely dedicated to virtual reality but now covers all of Meta's hardware projects, as well as AI and the metaverse. Meta has again opted for an evening keynote, with additional talks and developer sessions the following day, beginning with a 10AM PT/1PM ET developer state of the union. Engadget plans to cover the keynote live from Meta's headquarters in Menlo Park.

Much of the attention is likely to focus on smart glasses. Meta is reportedly working on a pair of camera-free frames that will come in two styles and include extra microphones for chatting with Meta's AI assistant. The lack of cameras could make the frames slimmer and more like normal glasses, according to the report. It could also help Meta address privacy concerns and backlash against its current lineup. Meta has recently tried to get ahead of the 'creep glasses' narrative by cracking down on people who tamper with the LED lights and post videos of themselves harassing others. In a recent Instagram AMA, Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth said the company would have 'more to say' about the issue during Connect.

Ray-Ban has hinted that it has new Meta-branded glasses coming soon, Engadget noted. That could refer to the camera-free frames or a new Gen 3 lineup; the first Gen 2 models debuted at last year's Connect. Another possibility is the next generation of Meta Ray-Ban Display. There have been reports that Meta is working on a version with displays in both lenses, which could open up new UI possibilities. But Engadget said it has been a while since there was news about the rumored device, sometimes called 'Hypernova 2,' so Meta could be holding that one back.

The event may also bring the official debut of a new mixed reality headset known as 'Phoenix.' Engadget reported that Meta has not released a new headset in some time and has never shown anything quite like Phoenix, which has been rumored for a while. Several images of the lightweight device recently surfaced in a HorizonOS update. They show a thin device that looks more like a pair of goggles than a headset and clearly show a cable, supporting previous reporting that Phoenix will rely on a tethered connection to a separate puck. The headset is also rumored to support hand and eye tracking rather than a dedicated controller.

While specs for Phoenix remain unknown, Engadget said it seems likely the headset will be among the first devices to use the new Snapdragon Reality Elite chip Qualcomm announced earlier this year. The chip is intended for mixed reality headsets and was designed to support slimmed-down form factors.

A new headset would probably come with updates to HorizonOS, and Engadget said it will be interesting to see what experiences Meta promotes alongside the hardware. Meta has been shutting down VR studios, so huge game announcements for Phoenix seem unlikely. The company could instead promote more entertainment-focused offerings. Deadline reported last year that Meta was backing a new '3D horror series' based on A24's Talk to Me that is apparently meant for viewing in Meta's headsets.

Meta may also share more about its holographic avatars, first seen two years ago with its Orion prototype. Meta said at the time that the technology would eventually come to virtual reality. Qualcomm has highlighted 'photorealistic avatars' as one benefit of its chip, making that outcome a real possibility, according to Engadget. The Information also recently reported that an avatar of Meta's CTO could appear during the Connect keynote. Engadget said these avatars could factor into Meta's evolving vision for the metaverse.

The preview leaves open whether Meta will announce the camera-free glasses, a new Ray-Ban generation or the Phoenix headset as finished products. Engadget's account is based on reports, rumors and hints from Ray-Ban, and the company's keynote is set to provide the first clear look at what will actually launch.