What to expect from Meta Connect 2024: Affordable Quest 3, AR glasses, and more

Meta’s annual Connect conference is almost here, and if you’re interested in new hardware, you’re in luck.

While a large portion of the conference will likely focus on the company’s AI efforts, at least two devices should debut: a new Quest headset and new smart glasses.

Also: Why Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses are my favorite tech purchase this year

First up, if you’ve been on the fence about trying out the Meta Quest 3 and the recent $25-a-month deal wasn’t enough, good news is coming: a more affordable, slimmed-down version of the Quest 3 is on the way.

The Quest 3S will reportedly run on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, the same one that runs the Quest 3. It will have a pair of fast-switch LCD screens with 1832 x 1920 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The exterior is getting a slight retool, with a triangle-shaped series of “spider-eye” lenses. 

The 3S will cost $299.99 for the 128GB base model, with different bundles available. A since-deleted Amazon page showed a starter bundle, a streamer bundle, a comfort bundle, and a rechargable bundle. Meta’s biggest advantage over Apple’s Vision Pro to date is the price difference, and this new device only widens that gap. The base 3S is at least $200 off the price of the Quest 3.

Leaked images show it might be a little bulkier than the Quest 3, and the lenses on the 3S might be closer to what was on the Quest 2, but it appears to be a solid middle ground between the 3 and the 2, and a very enticing option if you’re looking to make the AR/VR leap. 

Meta’s other big hardware announcement will reportedly be a preview of its in-development augmented reality (AR) smart glasses. Glasses aren’t new territory for Meta, as it has partnered with Ray-Ban to produce smart glasses — but those aren’t AR. 

Also: Meta Quest 3 review: The VR headset most people should buy in 2024

The plan for this year’s Connect conference seems to be for Meta to show off new Meta AI software that will power the current Ray-Bans, introduce a few new color options and styles for the Ray-Bans, and show off a prototype of its eventual AR glasses, internally known as “Orion.”

Meta Connect 2024 will take place September 25-26.