Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, has taken a significant step in expanding its wearable technology ecosystem. The tech giant has acquired a minority stake of about 3% in EssilorLuxottica, the world’s leading eyewear manufacturer.
The deal, valued at approximately €3 billion (around $3.5 billion), highlights Meta’s growing interest in the development of AI-powered smart glasses and wearable devices.
This move marks one of Meta’s most notable investments outside its core digital services and is seen as a strategic effort to merge cutting-edge AI with everyday consumer products.
The investment is more than just financial—it reinforces a relationship that has been evolving for several years.
Meta and EssilorLuxottica have already collaborated on a successful line of Ray-Ban smart glasses, which feature built-in cameras and Meta’s AI assistant.
In June 2025, the partnership expanded with the launch of a new line of Oakley-branded AI glasses, designed for sports and outdoor use. These glasses integrate real-time voice interaction and visual recognition, enhancing user experience and providing a glimpse into the future of AI-integrated eyewear.
This deal aligns closely with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s AI-first strategy. Over the past year, Meta has ramped up investments in artificial intelligence across its platforms—from generative AI in Facebook and Instagram to productivity tools in its metaverse offerings.
Smart glasses have become a central piece of Zuckerberg’s vision for blending AI into daily life. By investing in a company with global manufacturing capabilities and established brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley, Meta is positioning itself to bring AI glasses to the mass market.
The strategic value of the investment extends beyond research and development.
With this deal, Meta gains access to EssilorLuxottica’s global manufacturing expertise, advanced design capabilities, and expansive distribution network—all critical for scaling up production of next-generation wearable devices.
This infrastructure will be vital as Meta seeks to differentiate its smart glasses in an increasingly competitive wearable tech space.
While Meta benefits from the deal in terms of tech integration and manufacturing scale, EssilorLuxottica stands to gain a stronger foothold in the fast-growing tech industry.
By aligning with a major Silicon Valley player like Meta, the eyewear giant aims to become a significant player in the AI and wearable tech market. The company has already announced plans to ramp up its production capacity for smart glasses and is exploring partnerships with other tech brands.
The collaboration also enhances EssilorLuxottica’s appeal to younger, tech-savvy consumers, especially as demand grows for multifunctional eyewear that combines fashion, functionality, and smart features.
The Meta–EssilorLuxottica deal comes amid a broader trend of increasing consumer interest in AI-enabled wearable devices.
From smartwatches to fitness bands and now AI glasses, consumers are looking for products that enhance convenience and connectivity in daily life.
With its investment, Meta is positioning itself at the forefront of this movement. The company’s focus on blending AI, hardware, and lifestyle through smart glasses indicates a long-term vision that could eventually replace smartphones or offer new modes of communication.
Conclusion: A Smart Bet on the Future of Wearable Tech
Meta’s $3.5 billion investment in EssilorLuxottica signals a major commitment to the future of AI-powered smart glasses.
The partnership combines Meta’s software and AI capabilities with EssilorLuxottica’s global scale and design leadership, creating a strong foundation for mass-market adoption.
As both companies deepen their collaboration, the tech and eyewear industries are set to converge in ways that could redefine how we interact with the digital world—one pair of smart glasses at a time.