Meta’s New Hypernova AR Glasses Could Launch Next Month at a Lower-Than-Expected Price
Meta is reportedly gearing up to launch its first smart glasses with an integrated display as early as next month. Internally codenamed “Hypernova,” these next-gen augmented reality (AR) glasses mark a significant step forward for the company’s wearables lineup — and they might arrive with a more competitive price tag than previously assumed.
According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Meta had originally planned to price Hypernova at a premium, with internal discussions floating figures ranging from $1,000 up to $1,400. However, the latest leaks suggest that Meta may now be aiming for a starting price closer to $800.
This pricing shift would make Hypernova a more accessible option, potentially undercutting the price of Apple’s base iPhone 17 models, expected to launch around the same time. By keeping the price under $1,000, Meta could attract a broader user base — especially early adopters of AR tech.
One of the major factors behind the price drop, according to Gurman, is Meta’s willingness to accept lower profit margins on hardware in order to accelerate adoption. It’s a tactic the company has used before, most notably with its Meta Quest VR headsets.
Meta’s previous collaboration with Ray-Ban resulted in camera-equipped smart glasses priced between $200 and $400. However, unlike those models, the Hypernova glasses will feature a built-in display, making them Meta’s first real foray into AR wearables with screen-based interaction.
While the base version of the Hypernova glasses may come in at $800, customers should expect the final cost to vary depending on style choices and optional prescription lenses. These add-ons could raise the total significantly, especially for users who require custom configurations.
In terms of hardware and functionality, Hypernova won’t be full AR just yet — but it will introduce several advanced features. The glasses are rumored to include a discreet display on the right lens capable of showing mini apps, notifications, and contextual alerts.
Navigation and control are expected to be handled through a neural wristband, a wearable input device first seen in Meta’s earlier “Orion” AR project. This input system would allow users to interact with the UI through subtle hand movements, making the interface feel more natural and seamless.
When powered on, the Hypernova glasses will reportedly display a boot screen featuring logos for Meta and its chipset partner, Qualcomm. This confirms earlier speculation that the glasses would run on custom silicon designed for low-power AR applications.
The home screen of the device is expected to display circular app icons in a row, a visual style similar to both Apple’s iOS interface and Meta’s own Quest OS. This layout could help users feel familiar when transitioning from smartphone or VR environments.
Functionality at launch will likely focus on core features such as photo capture, gallery viewing, and basic navigation tools like maps. Support for push notifications from phone apps is also anticipated, including Meta’s key services like Messenger and WhatsApp.
Although the glasses are said to run on a customized version of Android, don’t expect a full-fledged app ecosystem just yet. For now, Meta appears to be prioritizing a controlled, streamlined user experience over third-party app integration.
This stripped-down approach could allow Meta to fine-tune the device’s software and hardware performance without the overhead of managing an open app store. It also reflects Meta’s broader strategy of building tightly integrated AR systems that connect to its wider ecosystem.
If the launch timeline holds, we could see an official unveiling of the Hypernova glasses in the coming weeks — possibly alongside new announcements from Meta’s Reality Labs division or at a dedicated hardware event.
With Hypernova, Meta is clearly positioning itself to become a serious contender in the race for AR dominance. By blending sleek hardware, controlled software, and neural input innovation, the company hopes to set the stage for a future where AR glasses are as common as smartphones.
