At Meta’s Connect 2025 event, the company unveiled the Oakley Meta Vanguard — a new pair of performance-oriented smart glasses designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Priced at USD 499, the Vanguard is now up for pre-order, with shipments beginning October 21, 2025 across the U.S., Canada, Europe and select regions. Broader availability, including markets like India, Mexico, Brazil, and the UAE, is expected later this year.
What Is the Oakley Meta Vanguard?
Think of the Vanguard as a hybrid between a wearable action camera and a smart assistant, molded into Oakley’s sport glasses form. It isn’t about everyday fashion — it’s about high-intensity environments where capturing and real-time feedback matter.
Key Specifications & Features
| Feature | Announcement Highlights |
|---|---|
| Camera | 12 MP ultra-wide lens with 122° field of view, capable of recording up to 3K video (UploadVR) |
| Video Modes | Supports 3K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 60fps, hyperlapse and slow-motion modes |
| Battery Life | Up to 9 hours of typical use, with a charging case adding 36 hours and quick charge to 50% in 20 minutes |
| Durability | Rated IP67 for dust and water resistance |
| Audio & Mics | Open-ear speakers and a five-mic array with wind-noise reduction |
| Fitness Integration | Syncs with apps like Strava and Garmin for live stats overlays |
| Design & Fit | Wraparound Oakley Sphaera-inspired frame, swappable nose pads and lenses, weight of ~66 g |
Why This Matters
- Immersive capture: The Vanguard’s central ultra-wide camera is designed to produce first-person footage that feels more natural than side-mounted action cams.
- Seamless sport integration: By pairing with fitness apps, the glasses merge workout tracking and video recording — you can ask, “How’s my pace?” mid-run, and see stats overlaid.
- Rugged design: With IP67 protection, stronger speakers, and tuned microphones, the Vanguard aims to withstand sweat, dust, and rain.
- Competition for GoPro & Insta360: By embedding the capture hardware into eyewear, Meta is directly challenging traditional action cameras.
- Future of performance tech: If successful, it could push the broader market toward more integrated, wearable capture devices.
What to Watch Out For
- Image stabilization: The real test is how footage holds up during fast, shaky activities.
- Battery under heavy use: AI features plus recording may drain faster than advertised.
- Replacement costs: While swappable lenses are a plus, replacements could be expensive.
- Prescription support: Limited options at launch may reduce accessibility.
- Regional rollout delays: Service and support in countries outside North America and Europe may lag.
FAQs
Q: When will Oakley Meta Vanguard be available?
It launches October 21, 2025 in initial markets, with wider global availability later in the year (TechCrunch).
Q: What’s the price?
It starts at USD 499, though pricing may vary by region.
Q: Can the lenses be swapped?
Yes — Oakley offers multiple interchangeable lens options for different conditions.
Q: How long does the battery last?
Around 9 hours of mixed use, with the charging case extending it to 36 hours (Road to VR).
Conclusion & Key Takeaway
The Oakley Meta Vanguard is a bold bet on the future of performance eyewear — blending capture, coaching, and rugged durability into one device. If execution lives up to the promise, it could redefine how athletes document and track their achievements.
Key Takeaway: With the Vanguard, Meta and Oakley want athletes to stop choosing between action cams and fitness wearables — and instead, let their eyewear do both.
Last Updated on October 18, 2025 by Lucy
