Meta Platforms Inc., traded as META on the NASDAQ, has adjusted its international deployment schedule for the Ray-Ban Display smart glasses. Originally, the company intended to introduce the smart eyewear to prominent markets such as the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Canada starting in early 2026. However, rapid uptake within the United States has led to a significant backlog, with wait times for U.S. customers extending well into the upcoming year. This substantial domestic demand has compelled Meta to refocus its efforts on completing orders locally before considering the broader rollout abroad.
The Ray-Ban Display is positioned by Meta as a versatile wearable device that moves beyond merely serving as a camera. The product integrates seamlessly with an accompanying wrist-worn accessory known as the “Neural Band,” designed to allow users to control the glasses through nuanced hand gestures. This advancement underscores Meta’s ambition to embed the device into everyday use-cases rather than relegating it to niche consumer groups.
During the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2026, Meta showcased several feature enhancements for the glasses. Notable additions included a teleprompter mode that assists users by displaying prepared remarks directly on the lens, optimized for settings such as presentations or public speaking. Additionally, the company introduced a gesture-based writing capability, which further leverages the synergy between the glasses and the Neural Band to facilitate hands-free interaction.
Expanding the usability of the glasses for daily activities, Meta has also widened pedestrian navigation support to encompass a broader range of U.S. cities. This includes new coverage areas such as Denver, Las Vegas, Portland, and Salt Lake City, reflecting the company's strategic initiative to embed location-aware functionalities within its wearable ecosystem.
Despite this positive momentum, scaling production capacity for these smart glasses remains a key hurdle. Meta's manufacturing partner, EssilorLuxottica, has publicly announced intentions to boost output capability in response to the current demand surge. This move aims to alleviate supply shortages that have already impacted the customer experience in the United States and posed challenges to international expansion plans.
Complementing hardware developments, Meta is actively enhancing the glasses' capabilities through software updates that incorporate artificial intelligence-driven features. Recent updates have improved voice clarity when used in noisy environments, thereby increasing their practicality for real-world environments. Furthermore, the glasses now support an integrated music experience through a collaboration with Spotify Technology SA, allowing users to access audio content conveniently via their wearable device.
The competitive landscape in AI-enabled smart eyewear is intensifying. Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL and GOOG) has partnered with Warby Parker to develop smart glasses powered by the Gemini AI platform, introducing notable competition. Moreover, reports indicate that OpenAI is collaborating with Apple Inc. on AI-based eyewear, with projected launches set for later this decade, positioning the industry for significant innovation and market activity.
Meta’s strategic ambitions include expanding production of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to reach 10 million units annually by 2026. The company is also allocating resources toward the development of higher-value AI wearables, reflecting its commitment to remaining a prominent player in this evolving category.
At the time of reporting, Meta Platforms’ stock was trading at $657.48, showing a marginal decrease of 0.20%. This movement reflects broader market sentiments amid ongoing competition and shifting product rollout timelines.