Meta Delays Global Launch of Ray-Ban Display Glasses Due to Supply Shortage

Meta has announced a temporary halt to the global expansion of its Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, prioritizing US orders due to “extremely limited inventory” and overwhelming demand. The company now plans to reassess international availability, affecting launch schedules in the UK, France, Italy, and Canada.

Why Meta is Delaying the International Launch

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, confirmed on Tuesday that it will pause the rollout of its augmented reality smart glasses outside the United States. Initially, the company had planned to launch the Ray-Ban Display glasses in UK, France, Italy, and Canada early this year following the success of earlier versions.

The company cited “first-of-its-kind product” status and extremely limited stock as reasons for the delay. In a blog post, Meta stated:

“Since launching last fall, we've seen an overwhelming amount of interest, and as a result, product waitlists now extend well into 2026.”

Meta emphasized that US orders will take priority while it evaluates a strategy for international availability.

Features of the Ray-Ban Display Glasses

Developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica’s Ray-Ban, the glasses allow users to:

• Take photos and stream content

• Talk to an AI assistant

• Access a new teleprompter feature, which lets users read notes and scroll using the Meta Neural Band wrist device

Additionally, Meta has expanded pedestrian navigation support to four new cities: Denver, Las Vegas, Portland, and Salt Lake City, bringing the total coverage to 32 cities worldwide.

Sales Performance and Market Impact

Meta’s Ray-Ban Display glasses have seen strong demand in the United States:

• 15,000 units sold in the first quarter of sales

• Captured 6% market share in the smart glasses category

Francisco Jeronimo, VP of Data and Analytics, Devices at IDC EMEA, highlighted the glasses’ success and rapid adoption in the US.

Meta also announced plans to accelerate production capacity to meet growing demand in its booming smart glasses business.

What This Means for Consumers

With waitlists extending well into 2026, international customers in Europe and Canada may experience delays in getting the product. Meta’s focus remains on fulfilling US demand first, but the company reassures that expansion plans will resume once inventory levels stabilize.

Consumers can expect enhanced functionality in upcoming models, including:

• Teleprompter and AI integration

• Expanded city navigation

• Better connectivity with the Meta Neural Band

Key Takeaways

• Meta has paused the international rollout of Ray-Ban Display glasses.

• Priority is being given to US orders due to limited inventory.

• Ray-Ban Display glasses sold 15,000 units in the first quarter, capturing 6% market share.

• New features include teleprompter functionality and expanded city navigation.

• International launches in UK, France, Italy, and Canada will be delayed.