Meta Launches 100-Gram VR Glasses with IMAX Certification

Meta has unveiled Meta VR Glasses, a new virtual reality device designed in a lightweight glasses form factor rather than a traditional headset. Announced at Meta Connect 2026 on September 23, the device weighs approximately 100 grams—roughly equivalent to a deck of cards—making it five times lighter than the Meta Quest 3. The glasses feature a two-part system: the glasses themselves contain sensors and a 5K Infinite Display built on micro-OLED panels with 37 pixels per degree, while a separate computing puck connected by an optical tether houses the Snapdragon Reality Elite processor, 128GB storage, 12GB RAM, and battery. The puck clips to a pocket or bag, enabling portable use.

The display delivers cinema-grade clarity with ultra-compact pancake lenses, Dolby Vision support, and Dolby Atmos spatial audio integrated into the frames. Meta VR Glasses are the first IMAX Enhanced certified VR device, allowing users to experience select films in IMAX's expanded aspect ratio at home. Starting in November, Disney+ subscribers in select countries will stream movies including Marvel's The Avengers and Black Panther in 3D with immersive themed viewing environments. Meta is also partnering with Disney and Industrial Light & Magic to offer "VR Enhanced Cinema" versions of films like Avengers: Infinity War and Star Wars: A New Hope, where thematically relevant graphics render in the virtual environment around the screen.

Control relies on eye tracking and natural hand gestures—pinching fingers to select, making a fist to scroll—with six external cameras tracking hand movements. Meta AI is integrated directly into the operating system, enabling voice commands and automated tasks. The battery delivers up to three hours of continuous high-resolution media playback and supports 45W fast charging. Meta is working with over a dozen media partners including Prime Video, YouTube, Disney+, Peacock, HBO Max, Paramount+, ESPN, and others. ESPN will provide 8K immersive sports with 180-degree views, starting with college football, with over 100 immersive live sports events available annually once the glasses launch. Meta says thousands of titles will be available internationally by launch, with new 3D movies releasing monthly and partnerships with director James Cameron's Lightstorm Vision to debut previously unreleased blockbusters in 3D during 2027.

The glasses come in small and large sizes and are priced at $1,299.99. Hands-on reviewers noted sharp screen quality comparable to the Apple Vision Pro, smooth gaming performance including access to the entire Quest library via paired Quest controllers, and productivity features such as multi-window workspaces. Reviewers also noted that while light blockage is not as complete as traditional VR headsets, the lighter form factor and reduced-commitment nature of the glasses format represent a significant departure from prior bulky headsets. The Meta VR Glasses are scheduled to launch in spring 2027.