Ray-Ban AI Glasses: Demand Explodes Now

Meta Doubles Down on Ray-Ban AI Glasses Production Amid AI Pivot from Metaverse

Meta is shifting gears from metaverse ambitions to AI wearables, planning to double production of its popular Ray-Ban AI glasses to 20 million units by year-end. This surge reflects unprecedented consumer demand, while Microsoft tackles data center power hurdles by covering electricity costs.

Meta's Bold Push to Scale Ray-Ban AI Glasses

Meta Platforms, in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, is negotiating to ramp up annual production of Ray-Ban AI smart glasses from 10 million to 20 million units by the end of 2026. If demand persists, output could climb beyond 30 million units. This move addresses supply shortages that have left popular models out of stock and created waitlists stretching into 2026.

The glasses feature advanced AI capabilities, including voice-based interactions and text displays directly on the lenses. Their success has surprised even Meta's leadership, positioning them as a key consumer interface for Meta AI.

Unprecedented Demand Halts International Rollout

At CES last week, Meta paused expansion of its premium $799 Ray-Ban Meta Display glasses to markets like the UK, France, Italy, and Canada. The company cited overwhelming US demand and limited inventory as the primary reasons. Meta's CFO noted accelerated sales growth in Q2 2025, with production increases failing to keep pace.

• Current capacity: 10 million units annually, expected to hit target ahead of schedule.
• EssilorLuxottica's CEO envisions smart glasses eventually replacing smartphones.
• Meta is reallocating resources from Reality Labs, cutting over 1,000 jobs to fuel AI wearables.

Strategic Pivot from Metaverse to AI Wearables

Meta's focus on AI glasses marks a clear departure from metaverse investments. Past smart glasses efforts flopped, but Ray-Ban models succeed through seamless AI integration and stylish design. EssilorLuxottica plans to handle increased production in-house or via outsourcing, with more details expected in February earnings.

Microsoft Steps Up on Data Center Power Costs

Parallel to Meta's hardware push, Microsoft commits to covering electricity costs for its data centers. This addresses rising power demands from AI infrastructure, easing concerns over energy constraints and supporting the broader AI ecosystem that powers devices like Ray-Ban glasses.

Future Implications for AI Wearables

These developments signal a maturing AI hardware market. Meta's production ramp and Microsoft's energy pledges could accelerate adoption of AI glasses, blending everyday eyewear with intelligent computing.

In summary, Meta's Ray-Ban AI glasses embody the next wave of consumer tech, driven by explosive demand and strategic shifts. As production scales and power challenges ease, AI wearables stand poised to redefine personal technology.