Meta and Ray-Ban unveiled the new-generation "Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3)" AI glasses, which went on sale on September 24, 2026. Availability in Japan began rolling out the same day, with SoftBank starting to carry the glasses from September 25. The new model brings a longer battery life and an upgraded microphone array aimed at everyday use, with prices starting at 78,980 yen (tax included).
Longer Battery, More Microphones, and a Customizable Button
Gen 3 extends battery life to a maximum of nine hours, up from eight hours on Gen 2. The glasses now use a newly designed six-microphone array, up from five on the previous model, which Meta says cuts more than 90 percent of background noise. The temple tips can now be professionally adjusted, replacing the fixed design of Gen 2 for a better fit. The button has also changed: where Gen 2 only offered a shutter button, Gen 3 features a customizable Action Button that can launch Meta AI with a single press. The camera captures 12-megapixel photos and up to 3K-equivalent video, and a new Dynamic Photo feature lets users pick the best frame from a burst of shots.
Three Frames and a Limited Edition, Starting at ¥78,980
In Japan, the lineup combines three frame styles, Wayfarer, Aviator, and Zena, with three lens options, clear, polarized, and Transitions photochromic lenses, for six variations in total, starting at 78,980 yen (tax included). A higher-end "Aviator Limited Edition" with a vintage-inspired colorway marking a milestone for the Aviator style is also available for 103,180 yen (tax included). The same day also brought two limited-quantity "Meta Glasses by LISA" models and two additional frame options. For comparison, US pricing starts at 449 USD (about 71,000 yen), meaning the Japan price sits above that level.
Available Through SoftBank and Official Retailers, With Setup Support
The glasses can be purchased through SoftBank's online shop and select SoftBank stores, as well as Ray-Ban's own stores, its official online store, authorized retailers nationwide, and Meta.com. SoftBank stores offer in-store support for initial setup after purchase: it is free for subscribers to the flat-rate in-store smartphone support plan, and 1,100 yen per session for non-subscribers; the support is also available to those who buy online. Separately, Meta also announced "Ray-Ban Meta Audio," a new camera-free, audio-focused model, which is planned to launch in Japan in 2027.
Summary
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) brings a longer battery life, a six-microphone array, and adjustable temple tips, refining the everyday usability of Meta's AI glasses lineup. In Japan, it is available from multiple retailers including SoftBank starting at 78,980 yen, with a premium Aviator Limited Edition and an audio-focused model also planned. As competition in the smart glasses market intensifies, how Meta and Ray-Ban continue to expand adoption will be worth watching.
※1 USD = 158 JPY (as of September 25, 2026)
