Meta has begun limiting access to one of the most practical features available on its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, introducing a monthly subscription for users who want extended access.

The change arrives with Version 26 of the smart glasses software, which moves the Conversation Focus feature into the company’s new Meta One Premium subscription. The tool is designed to make face-to-face conversations easier to follow by reducing surrounding background voices and emphasising the person speaking directly in front of the wearer.

Users who do not subscribe will now be restricted to three hours of Conversation Focus each month, while Meta One Premium subscribers will receive up to 15 hours of usage. The subscription costs approximately A$31 per month.

Unlike some of Meta’s newer artificial intelligence features, Conversation Focus primarily relies on the smart glasses’ built-in microphones and speakers rather than cloud-based AI processing. Although Meta does not market it as an accessibility feature, it has the potential to assist people who find it difficult to hear conversations in noisy environments such as restaurants, cafés or busy streets.

The decision marks one of the first times Meta has placed a practical day-to-day function behind a usage limit, signaling the company’s growing focus on subscription-based services alongside its hardware business.

Subscribers to Meta One Premium also gain access to additional AI-powered capabilities across compatible Meta devices, with the company continuing to expand its suite of premium software features.

The latest software update also introduces several new additions for all users. These include Muse Spark, Meta’s newest AI assistant, Dynamic Photo mode for capturing burst images, support for Instagram Instants and WhatsApp voice chats, along with a Battery Saver mode designed to extend operating time between charges.

Language support has also been expanded, with Japanese and Korean now fully supported. Meta has also added translations for 14 more languages, including Mandarin, Greek, Dutch, Russian, Thai and Turkish.

The update reflects a broader trend among technology companies that are increasingly pairing hardware sales with recurring subscription services. While premium AI tools have commonly required paid plans, placing limits on a core everyday feature may prove more controversial among existing Ray-Ban Meta owners who previously had unrestricted access.

As smart glasses continue to evolve beyond simple audio and camera devices, software features are becoming an increasingly important part of the overall experience. Whether users are willing to pay an ongoing monthly fee for enhanced functionality could influence how wearable technology is monetised in the years ahead.