Meta’s Reported $800 Smart Glasses with Display Won’t Shoot for the Stars, Claims Respected Analyst

Reports suggest that Meta’s smart glasses, codenamed ‘Hypernova’, will be priced lower than previously anticipated, with Meta reducing price expectations from $1,000 – $1,400 to $800. Supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo indicates that mass production is imminent, although sales projections are modest.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman recently stated that Hypernova will offer a pair of smart glasses with a single display and a wrist-worn EMG controller for around $800.

Recent leaks from data miner ‘Luna’ have unveiled the glasses, indicating that Hypernova (also known as ‘Celeste’) could be a standalone Meta launch, without a partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban and Oakley.

Kuo has stated that Hypernova is set to enter mass production in Q3 2025, with estimated shipments of 150,000 to 200,000 units over a two-year product cycle.

He further explains that Hypernova’s market share is expected to be minimal, positioning the product as more of an experimental venture for Meta.

Kuo emphasizes the strategic implications of Hypernova for Meta, including preempting Apple’s release, building brand image, accumulating ecosystem experience, and understanding user behavior.

Adding a display to its smart glasses platform changes the game for Meta and users alike. Early adopters of smart glasses with displays, such as Rokid’s Glasses, anticipate features like turn-by-turn directions, real-time translation, and enhanced app interactions beyond traditional input methods.

Meta envisions smart glasses as a pathway to all-day AR experiences, leading to cautious market entry. The company aims to leverage its Reality Labs division’s research and development to create a seamless AR platform that avoids common pitfalls.

With significant investments in XR technology, Meta’s approach to smart glasses is strategic, focusing on long-term success rather than immediate market dominance.