Meta's smart glasses, particularly the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, are compatible with iOS devices starting from iOS 14.2 and above. To use the glasses with an iPhone, the user needs to install the Meta AI app, which is available for download from the Apple App Store. This app is essential for operating the glasses, managing settings, importing and sharing photos and videos, and accessing additional features such as AI functionality. The glasses require Bluetooth connectivity to pair with the iPhone, and the app helps facilitate this pairing process. Users can control notifications, system alerts, and manage media through the app on their iPhones.
The glasses support smartphones running iOS 14.4 and above, with the Meta AI app offering a seamless interface for interaction between the glasses and the phone. When paired, files such as photos and videos captured by the glasses can be transferred wirelessly to the iPhone. For faster transfers and firmware updates, the glasses temporarily create a Wi-Fi network which iOS users must join to enable the data transfer.
Regarding general device compatibility, specific iPhone models such as the iPhone XR, iPhone SE (2022), iPhone 11 series, and others are explicitly supported. The glasses are compatible also with devices running Android 10 and above, but when it comes to the Apple ecosystem, the headlining requirement remains iOS 14.2+ and the installation of the Meta AI app.
In addition to iPhone compatibility, the glasses do not interfere with or are negatively impacted by other Apple devices like the Apple Watch. In fact, integration between the Meta glasses and Apple Watch enhances user experience, especially for controlling playback playback and volume on the glasses directly from the watch. However, it is important to note that while the Apple Watch can control playback and volume, it does not independently support all the smart features of the glasses without the iPhone connected and running the Meta AI app.
The Meta AI app also powers the new generation of features introduced for the Meta glasses. It supports personalized AI interactions, video editing, and sharing functionalities. The app serves as a hub for controlling glasses settings, managing paired devices, and handling media files. Importantly, some advanced AI features might be limited by geographical region or language support.
The Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses come with hardware necessities like USB-C charging, a charging case, and guides for initial setup. The setup involves placing the glasses in pairing mode through the app and the device's controls, then connecting via Bluetooth. The glasses have system sounds that cannot be muted but can be volume adjusted through the Meta AI app.
Live streaming functionalities are also supported on iOS devices through the glasses and the Meta AI app. Users can stream directly to social media apps like Facebook or Instagram from the glasses, with the ability to switch between the glasses' camera and the smartphone's camera during a live stream.
The glasses support pairing with up to two pairs of Ray-Ban Meta glasses with the Meta AI app but only one pair of Ray-Ban Stories glasses at a time. This allows users to manage multiple devices for different use cases or to share with others, though only one pair can perform advanced functions such as live streaming or calls at a time.
In summary, Meta's Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses are fully usable with iOS devices but require the Meta AI app and iOS 14.2 or above. They are designed to seamlessly integrate with the iPhone's operating system for Bluetooth pairing, media transfer, notification management, and live interaction. Users benefit from the glasses' compatibility with iPhones and their ecosystem, including complementary use with Apple Watch for playback and volume control. The glasses offer a rich set of features accessible via the Meta AI app, making them a functional smart accessory for iOS users.
This integration ensures iPhone users can enjoy the smart features of Meta's glasses within their Apple environment, relying on the dedicated app for an optimized experience in capturing, sharing, and managing smart eyewear functions.