Meta Delays Global Launch of Ray-Ban Display Glasses as Demand Surges
Meta has paused the international launch of its Ray-Ban Display smart glasses due to overwhelming demand and limited inventory. As a result, customers outside the United States will face delays while domestic orders take priority. Meanwhile, planned early-2026 expansions into the UK, France, Italy, and Canada have been postponed without a revised timeline.
The smart glasses debuted in the United States with demand exceeding expectations. Consequently, order backlogs quickly extended into 2026. Because of these constraints, the company determined that expanding into additional markets would not be viable at this stage.
Advanced Features Drive Strong Interest
Introduced in fall 2025 through a partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the Ray-Ban Display glasses mark the company’s most advanced wearable so far. They combine a micro-display, integrated AI assistant, and camera functions within a familiar sunglasses-style design. As interest surged, however, production capacity struggled to keep pace.
At CES 2026, the company confirmed it would continue focusing on U.S. customers while reassessing overseas availability. At the same time, it declined to provide new launch dates for delayed regions. Therefore, potential buyers in Europe and Canada remain in a holding pattern.
Supply Challenges and Ongoing Debate
During CES, the company also revealed new software features, including a teleprompter mode and gesture-based input via a Neural Band wrist controller. In addition, it announced improved pedestrian navigation features in select U.S. cities. However, these updates do little to address international access concerns.
More broadly, the pause highlights ongoing supply-chain pressures facing wearable technology makers. Although consumer interest in smart glasses continues to rise, limited production capacity complicates global launches. At the same time, debates around privacy persist, particularly over concerns about covert recording. While visible indicators signal camera use, critics argue that real-world enforcement and user behaviour remain unresolved challenges.
