Meta Aims to Double Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Production Amid Strong Demand

Meta Platforms Inc. and EssilorLuxottica SA are in talks to double production of AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses by the end of 2026. This move aims to address growing demand and secure a leadership position in the smart wearables market. The companies are considering increasing annual output to 20 million units or more, with discussions also underway for a potential expansion to 30 million units if market demand supports it according to Bloomberg.

The surge in demand has led Meta to prioritize U.S. sales over international expansion, causing delays in planned rollouts to the U.K., France, Italy, and Canada. The company announced that waitlists for the Ray-Ban Display model extend well into 2026 due to limited inventory according to Webpronews.

Industry analysts view the supply-demand imbalance as a reflection of the product's strong appeal rather than a setback. Meta's strategy to focus on U.S. fulfillment is intended to manage expectations and maintain brand momentum.

Why Did This Happen?

The Ray-Ban Display model is a significant technological leap from earlier versions, featuring a full-color display in one lens and AI integration. The complexity of integrating advanced features such as live AI translation and ultra-HD video capture has created production bottlenecks. Manufacturing partners are struggling to scale up output quickly enough to meet demand.

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Meta's partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the world's largest eyewear maker, provides a strong production and retail foundation. The collaboration dates back to 2019, with the first Ray-Ban-branded smart glasses launched in 2021. EssilorLuxottica is already close to its current capacity target of 10 million units by the end of 2026.

How Did Markets React?

The supply constraints have generated buzz on social media, with users sharing experiences of long waitlists and resale market activity. Some investors see the delay as a validation of product demand, potentially benefiting Meta's Reality Labs division. Meta's stock saw a slight increase following the announcement of the production bottleneck and global delay.

Analysts at Smart Analytics Global forecast that the global AI smart glasses market will grow rapidly in 2026, with revenue quadrupling and sales increasing from 6 million to 20 million units. This growth is expected to be driven by the success of Meta's product and the entry of major players like Apple and Samsung.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Market observers are monitoring how Meta and EssilorLuxottica manage the production ramp-up and whether they can sustain the momentum. The ability to scale up manufacturing will be crucial in meeting global demand and avoiding long-term reputational damage.

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Meta has also announced plans to introduce new features for the Ray-Ban Display glasses, such as a teleprompter function and expanded pedestrian navigation to 32 cities. These updates could help maintain customer interest during the global rollout delay.

The broader AI smart glasses market is expected to see consolidation by 2030, with Apple, Samsung, and Meta emerging as the top three vendors. Long-term success will depend on a combination of hardware innovation, AI software capabilities, and global brand strength.