Meta has slapped a monthly usage cap on its Ray‑Bans, the company’s AR headset. The new rule limits the built‑in Conversation Focus feature to three hours a month, unless users pay $19.99 for a Meta One Premium plan. The move came after the glasses shipped with free AI utilities for early customers knowing today here.

Conversation Focus uses the glasses’ open‑ear speakers to amplify the voice of a nearby speaker. Users can adjust volume by swiping the right temple or via device settings, and the processing stays on‑device, keeping data private and eliminating a data‑usage cost. The feature was first rolled out in December 2023 to better social interaction experience.

Meta’s decision to monetize a feature that never reaches the company’s servers feels unjustified, especially since it serves an accessibility need. By restricting use, the company risks alienating users who bought the glasses for inclusive audio assistance. The company said only Conversation Focus is affected now, hinting at future limits for potential upgrade fees soon.

Apple Glasses, slated for next‑year launch, could appeal to users frustrated by Meta’s throttling. The brand’s commitment to privacy and accessibility, coupled with no paywall for AI features, positions it as a more reliable choice. Consumers may prefer Apple’s higher upfront cost over Meta’s subscription model for the same functionality in the premium market today.