TL;DR
Industry momentum around smartglasses has accelerated, driven by strong demand for Meta’s Ray-Ban models and expanding activity from Samsung, Google partners and smaller makers. Analysts expect a sharp rise in sales in 2026, while manufacturers and retailers scale production and distribution.
What happened
Interest in smartglasses intensified after Meta’s Ray-Ban marriage of fashion and display tech gained notable traction in the US. The Ray‑Ban Display and more wearable Ray‑Ban Meta variants have strained supply enough that Meta and EssilorLuxottica are reported to be preparing to double output, with a target that could reach 20 million pairs by the end of 2026; the manufacturer is reportedly close to a 10 million‑pair goal for 2026 already. Meta has delayed international availability of the display model to satisfy existing US orders, even as its Reality Labs division faces another staff reduction. The broader market reacted: Warby Parker’s shares rose after the news, Rokid moved to sell its AI glasses through retail channels across multiple regions, and Samsung has signaled multiple smartglasses projects — including entries tied to partners such as Warby Parker and Gentle Monster — with a pair of model numbers appearing in filings. Analysts predict global shipments could jump markedly in 2026, led by the US and China.
Why it matters
- Ramping production indicates stronger-than-expected consumer demand and supply-chain commitment.
- Major brands entering or expanding in the category could normalize smartglasses as a mainstream wearable.
- Retail availability and partner tie‑ups help consumers try devices in real-world settings, potentially boosting adoption.
- Analyst forecasts point to rapid market growth in 2026, which could attract more investment and product diversity.
Key facts
- Meta sells two Ray‑Ban smartglasses lines: the more wearable Ray‑Ban Meta and the Ray‑Ban Display with a lens‑embedded display.
- EssilorLuxottica and Meta reportedly plan to double production to about 20 million pairs by the end of 2026.
- The manufacturer is said to be close to achieving a 10 million‑pair production target for 2026.
- Meta delayed the international launch of the Ray‑Ban Display to prioritize fulfilling US orders.
- Meta’s Reality Labs is expected to reduce its workforce by another 10%, according to the report.
- Warby Parker’s stock rose roughly 10% after the production and demand news; Warby Parker is a partner for Google’s upcoming glasses.
- Rokid will begin selling its smart glasses in retail stores across the UK, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines.
- Samsung has previously released a Galaxy XR headset and is reportedly working on more conventional smartglasses, with model numbers SM‑O200P and SM‑O200J appearing in filings.
- SM‑O200P has been linked in reports to lenses that react to light (photochromic), while SM‑O200J may indicate another variant.
- Market analysts (Smart Analytics Global) project shipments could rise from about 6 million pairs to 20 million pairs in 2026, with the US and China accounting for roughly 80% of demand.
What to watch next
- Possible Samsung product details around the Galaxy S26 launch in late February — not confirmed in the source.
- Announcements or product reveals from Google at Google I/O around May 2026 — not confirmed in the source.
- Industry expectations that Apple may enter the market in 2027 — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Smartglasses: Eyewear that integrates digital features such as displays, cameras, sensors or connectivity to provide information or interactive experiences while worn.
- Photochromic lenses: Lenses that automatically darken when exposed to bright light and clear up again in lower light conditions.
- Reality Labs: A division within Meta that focuses on augmented and virtual reality hardware and software development.
- EssilorLuxottica: A global eyewear manufacturer and distributor that owns or licenses multiple branded frame lines and supplies frames at scale.
- Metaverse: A broad term for persistent, interconnected virtual spaces and experiences, often discussed in the context of VR/AR ecosystems.
Reader FAQ
Are smartglasses actually selling well?
According to the reporting, demand for Meta’s Ray‑Ban models has been strong enough to strain supply and prompt plans to increase manufacturing capacity.
Will Meta’s Ray‑Ban Display be available worldwide soon?
Meta has delayed the international launch of the Ray‑Ban Display to prioritize fulfilling existing US orders.
When will Samsung or Google release their smartglasses?
Reports suggest Samsung and Google are expected to launch products in 2026, but exact dates and details are not confirmed in the source.
Is Apple entering the smartglasses market in 2026?
Analysts expect Apple to join the market in 2027; Apple entering in 2026 is not confirmed in the source.
2026 is all set to be a breakout year for smartglasses By Andy Boxall Published 15 minutes ago Andy is a seasoned technology journalist with more than 15 years experience…
Sources
- 2026 is all set to be a breakout year for smartglasses
- Smart Glasses Are Ready for a Breakthrough Year | BoF
- AI Smart Glasses to Quadruple Revenue in 2026 as Apple …
- Smart Glasses Are Coming for Your Face, With Wild …
Related posts
- At CES 2026 I saw hundreds of gadgets — but bought just one Pebble
- Best Bone-Conduction Headphones of 2026: Reviews of Shokz, Suunto, Mojawa
- Why Rails 8 Drops Redis: SolidQueue Moves Job Queues into Your Database