At CES 2026, MetaOptics is rolling out a set of prototypes that show how far metalens engineering has evolved, especially when paired with modern AI-driven imaging. The company presents five distinct devices that demonstrate thinner modules, lower power profiles, and fresher approaches to optics across phones, wearables, and projection systems.
Metalens Smartphone With Zero Camera Bump
The most attention-grabbing demo is a 5G smartphone built around an ultra-thin optical module that removes the traditional camera bump entirely. By shifting to a heat-resistant glass-based metalens assembly, the imaging stack becomes flatter without compromising clarity. MetaOptics also shows a non-contact 3D biometric fingerprint system that scans fingers without touch, powered by Qualcomm’s Dragonwing QCM6490 platform. This setup is a glimpse at how optics might shrink even further in next-generation handhelds.
Rectangular Metalens on a 12-Inch Wafer
The company also reveals a rectangular metalens design fabricated on a 12-inch wafer, aligning naturally with CMOS sensor geometry. Traditional circular lenses often need optical cropping or compensation, but this rectangular configuration avoids edge loss and supports higher-resolution imaging in a slimmer stack. It’s an engineering move that feels small on paper but solves a long-time mismatch between lens shape and sensor layout.
Sporty AI Smart Glasses and Mini Pico Projector
MetaOptics’ AI Smart Glasses lean on its compact metalens color camera system, paired with Qualcomm AR1 Snapdragon. The glasses focus on gesture-based interaction and light image capture, suggesting where everyday AR eyewear could go once the optics shrink enough to be unobtrusive. On the opposite end of scale, the second-generation pico projector arrives at roughly half the size of the first model. With fanless operation and USB-C connectivity, it hints at ultra-portable projection becoming more viable for casual setups or IoT use cases.
Enhanced AI Image Sharpening
The fifth highlight is not a gadget but an improved sharpening algorithm created with a Taiwanese partner. Running on Nvidia GPUs, it enhances color fidelity and extracts cleaner detail from MetaOptics’ IoT camera pipeline. While software doesn’t always get the spotlight at CES, this algorithm reinforces how optical hardware and machine-learning post-processing now evolve hand in hand. In the conclusion of MetaOptics’ showcase, all five demos will appear from January 6-9 with broader product details, though pricing and availability remain open at this stage.
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Metalens 5G Smartphone | Ultra-thin camera module with touch-free 3D fingerprint system and Dragonwing QCM6490 platform. |
| Rectangular Metalens Wafer | 12-inch glass wafer engineered to match CMOS rectangular sensors for full-area capture. |
| AI Smart Glasses | Metalens-based color camera system enabling gesture-controlled AR powered by Qualcomm AR1 Snapdragon. |
| 2nd-Gen Pico Projector | Half-size redesign with fanless operation, USB-C, and low power draw. |
| AI Sharpness Algorithm | Nvidia GPU-accelerated image enhancement for improved color and detail in IoT workflows. |
