Jul 02, 2026 12:20:00

Meta's smart glasses have usage restrictions unless you subscribe to the monthly 'Meta One Premium' service.

Meta offers AI-powered smart glasses, including 'Ray-

Ban Meta,' developed in collaboration with sunglasses brand Ray- Ban, and its own more affordable brand, ' Meta Glasses .' The help center for these AI glasses was updated on July 1, 2026, revealing that some functions of the AI ​​glasses will be restricted unless a monthly subscription of $19.99 (approximately 3200 yen) is paid.

Meta One Subscription for AI Glasses | AI Glasses Help (ja)
https://www.meta.com/ja-jp/help/ai-glasses/1384571770097740/

Meta is adding ridiculous 'rate limits' and a soft paywall to its smart glasses | The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/959899/meta-ai-glasses-paywall-rate-limit

In May 2026, Meta announced the global rollout of subscription plans for its flagship services, Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, and also revealed that it would begin testing new subscriptions for businesses, creators, and Meta AI users. Meta's subscription plans are named after each service, such as 'Instagram Plus,' and have been piloted in some regions. These subscription plans will be rolled out globally, and there is a possibility that they will be integrated under a new name, 'Meta One,' in the future.

Meta launches subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, with plans to add more services in the future, including an AI plan - GIGAZINE

On July 1, 2026, it was announced that of the two plans for Meta AI users—Meta One Plus at $7.99/month (approximately 1300 yen) and Meta One Premium at $19.99/month (approximately 3200 yen)—only the Meta One Premium plan would offer premium device support for AI glasses.

According to the Meta AI Glasses Help Center, the ' Conversation Focus ' feature is now available in an expanded version with Meta One Premium. Conversation Focus is a feature that amplifies the voice of the person you are facing, making it easier to hear even in noisy environments. Normally, it can be used for '3 hours per month,' but with a Meta One Premium subscription, it can be used for '15 hours per month.'

The Meta AI Glasses Help Center states that 'no subscription is required to use the AI ​​glasses,' but technology media outlet The Verge criticizes this, saying, 'Would you pay a monthly fee to access AI hardware you already own? This rate cap is ridiculous.'

According to The Verge, Conversation Focus operates on the device using a chip built into the AI ​​glasses. While features that use Meta's servers may be subject to rate limits even after purchasing the device, The Verge points out that this feature should not be subject to rate limits because it operates on the device even when the internet connection is lost.

The Verge asked Meta for an explanation regarding the rate cap on their AI glasses and whether they plan to charge for other device features in the future, but Meta has not responded as of the time of writing.