Meta is testing a new approach to expanding its wearables footprint. The company is offering customers credit for their high-end earbuds when purchasing a new pair of smart glasses. More specifically, Meta’s latest pilot trade-in program allows users to swap popular audio accessories, including Apple AirPods Pro and Samsung Galaxy Buds, for discounts on Meta’s Ray-Ban and Oakley Meta smart glasses.

Scheduled to run only through December 31st, the limited-time promotion applies to purchases made exclusively through Meta’s website. Customers can apply the trade-in credit toward models like the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 and Gen 2. The Oakley Meta HSTN and Vanguard glasses are also on the list. The discount is contingent on the device’s condition but can reach up to $113. This makes a considerable difference on a $379 pair of second-generation Ray-Bans.

Get up to $113 off on Meta Smart Glasses by trading in your old AirPods

The most intriguing aspect of the program is the diverse list of eligible trade-in items. Meta is not just accepting its own first-generation smart glasses . Instead, the company is openly targeting customers in competing ecosystems. The list of accepted devices features several generations of premium earbuds from major rivals:

  • Apple: AirPods Pro 2 , AirPods Pro 3, and the currently non-existent “AirPods Pro 4” (likely referring to a future or standard model).
  • Beats: Powerbeats Pro 2, Studio Buds +, and Fit Pro.
  • Samsung: Galaxy Buds 3, Buds 3 Pro, and Buds 3 FE.

Users report some inconsistencies in the Pilot Program

As this initiative operates under a pilot status, users have reported certain operational inconsistencies. The offer itself, presented as a trade-in box in the online cart, sometimes fails to appear unless customers try accessing the site across different devices or web browsers. Furthermore, the final credit amounts offered for the same model can vary between users. This suggests Meta is adjusting the rates based on some kind of internal criteria.

For those interested in upgrading their earwear to smart eyewear, the process requires purchasing the glasses directly from Meta and ensuring the trade-in device is in full working order. Given the short December 31st deadline, interested customers may need to be persistent with their browser settings to successfully access the potential savings. The success of this trial will likely determine whether Meta adopts a permanent trade-in structure for its hardware ecosystem.