TL;DR
Meta has announced its annual XR event, Connect 2026, scheduled for September 23-24. Leaked details suggest upcoming VR headset and smart glasses reveals, including a lightweight headset and new AR glasses. The event will showcase Meta’s latest hardware and software developments in XR.
Meta has confirmed that its annual XR conference, Connect 2026, will be held on September 23 and 24 at its Menlo Park campus, promising a first look at upcoming VR, AR, and wearable technology. The event is expected to feature hardware announcements, software updates, and research showcases, making it a significant moment for the industry.
Meta announced the dates for Connect 2026, marking the company’s return to its flagship XR event since the last F8 in 2021. Leaked internal memos and reports hint at key product unveilings, including an ultralight VR headset with an open periphery design, codenamed Phoenix, expected to launch in the first half of 2027. This headset is believed to feature a tethered compute puck, as depicted in firmware graphics obtained by UploadVR.
On the smart glasses front, Meta plans to introduce four new models in 2026, codenamed Modelo, Luna, RBM2 Refresh, and Mojito VIP, according to The Information. While the specifics of Modelo, Luna, and Mojito VIP remain unclear, one may be the Prada Meta Glasses, previously reported by CNBC. The RBM2 Refresh is likely a new version of the Ray-Ban Meta glasses launched at Connect 2025.
Additionally, Meta is reportedly preparing to test Artemis, its first consumer AR glasses, which are expected to be sleeker than the Orion prototype with a narrower field of view. However, Meta may face competition from Snap, which is also working on consumer AR devices.
Impact of Upcoming Meta XR Hardware Reveals
The anticipated hardware announcements at Connect 2026 could significantly influence the XR industry, signaling Meta’s push to expand its product ecosystem and consumer adoption of VR and AR devices. The release of a lightweight headset and new smart glasses may accelerate user engagement and competition among tech giants in the emerging metaverse and wearable markets.
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Recent Developments in Meta’s XR Strategy
Meta has positioned itself as a leading investor in XR, with over 7 million units of its smart glasses sold in 2025 and daily usage tripling year-over-year. The company has indicated that smart glasses are among the fastest-growing consumer electronics categories in history. The upcoming Connect 2026 event follows years of product development, leaks, and industry speculation about Meta’s next-generation hardware, including a lightweight VR headset and AR glasses in various stages of testing and development.
“Meta’s upcoming headset, codenamed Phoenix, appears to be a significant step toward mainstream VR adoption with its lightweight design and tethered compute puck.”
— an anonymous researcher
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Unconfirmed Details About Meta’s 2026 Hardware Plans
While leaks and reports suggest several product launches, official confirmation from Meta about specific devices, their features, and release timelines remains pending. It is also unclear how Meta’s AR glasses will compare to competitors like Snap, or whether all announced models will reach consumers within 2026.
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Next Steps and Expected Announcements at Connect 2026
Meta is expected to officially unveil the Phoenix VR headset, along with detailed specifications and release plans, during Connect 2026. The company will likely also showcase new smart glasses models and provide updates on Artemis AR glasses testing. Industry observers will closely watch for software demos, developer tools, and research presentations that could shape the future of XR technology.
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Key Questions
Will Meta announce a new VR headset at Connect 2026?
Based on leaks and reports, it is highly likely Meta will tease or formally announce its ultralight VR headset, codenamed Phoenix, with a launch expected in the first half of 2027.
What new smart glasses might Meta introduce in 2026?
Meta plans to launch four new smart glasses models, including potentially Prada Meta Glasses and an updated Ray-Ban line, with details to be revealed at the event.
Will Meta’s AR glasses be available soon?
Meta is reportedly testing Artemis, its first consumer AR glasses, but it is unclear if they will be available immediately after the event or later in 2026.
How does Meta’s upcoming hardware compare to competitors?
While details are still emerging, Meta’s focus on lightweight, consumer-friendly AR and VR devices suggests a strategic effort to compete with other companies like Snap and Apple in the XR space.
What other announcements might occur at Connect 2026?
Expect updates on software, developer tools, and research projects that could influence future XR experiences and industry standards.
Source: UploadVR
