Meta Ray-Ban Display Gets Holographic Avatars, Global Expansion

On September 23, 2026, during its annual Connect conference, Meta unveiled a significant feature update and expanded global availability for its Ray-Ban Display smart glasses. The eyewear, originally launched at last year's Connect event, is now slated for release in five new markets: the UK, Canada, France, Italy, and Germany. Online orders for these regions, alongside the US, begin immediately, with UK pricing set at £749 and Canada at CA$1,149. European pre-orders start today at €899, with general availability on October 13.

A standout addition is the holographic avatar support for calls. This feature, powered by the Meta AI app, generates a photorealistic hologram of the wearer for the other party, compensating for the lack of a visible face during smart glasses conversations. Engadget reports that a Meta press release states, "Your hologram is driven entirely by your voice, and the hologram model infers your expression from what you're saying and how you're saying it." This 'Hologram' functionality will first roll out in early access to WhatsApp users in the US later this fall.

Navigation tools also see expansion, now incorporating voice-activated directions for cycling and public transit, initially for users in the US and Canada this month. Engadget highlights that the system can now offer more conversational, context-aware directions, such as "turn left at the yellow house," rather than strictly relying on street names. Addressing a pain point from Engadget reviewer Karissa Bell's initial assessment regarding a sparse app ecosystem, Meta is launching a new 'Explore' app on both the glasses and the Meta AI app to help users discover compatible programs.

Further enhancements include Dolby Atmos audio for capture and playback, on-device photo editing, a more detailed calendar interface, mirrored phone notifications, and Threads integration for Community Feeds.

Our take: Meta is clearly pushing to evolve the Ray-Ban Display beyond a niche early adopter product. The holographic avatar is a bold swing, addressing a core UX challenge of smart glasses communication. While initial app scarcity was a valid criticism, the 'Explore' app signals a recognition of the need for a more robust content ecosystem. Expanding market availability is crucial for broader adoption, yet the real test will be whether these features deliver meaningful value and if Meta can sustain developer interest.