TL;DR
Meta has halted plans to sell its Ray‑Ban Display glasses outside the U.S., citing unprecedented demand and limited inventory. The company will prioritize U.S. order fulfillment while it rethinks international availability that had been planned for early 2026.
What happened
Meta announced it is pausing the planned international expansion of its Ray‑Ban Display smart glasses, which had been slated to arrive in France, Italy, Canada and the U.K. in early 2026. The company pointed to unexpectedly strong interest and constrained supply; waitlists for the product already extend well into 2026. Meta says it will concentrate on filling orders for customers in the United States as it reassesses how to approach sales abroad. The Ray‑Ban Display glasses, introduced in September, rely on a companion wristband called the Meta Neural Band that senses subtle hand gestures. At CES in Las Vegas, Meta demonstrated upcoming features for the glasses and the Neural Band, including a teleprompter mode and the ability to transcribe finger-written messages made on any surface. Meta also revealed expanded pedestrian navigation in several U.S. cities.
Why it matters
- Consumers in the planned international markets will face delays in access to Meta’s smart glasses.
- The pause highlights supply constraints for AR-capable wearable hardware amid strong early demand.
- Shifting focus to the U.S. could influence the timeline for software and services that depend on a broader user base.
- Product waitlists extending into 2026 suggest continued demand that may affect Meta’s production and distribution priorities.
Key facts
- Meta has paused plans to sell Ray‑Ban Display glasses outside the U.S.
- Planned international launches included France, Italy, Canada and the U.K., originally set for early 2026.
- Meta cited “unprecedented demand and limited inventory” and said waitlists now extend into 2026.
- The company will prioritize fulfilling orders for U.S. customers while it reevaluates international availability.
- The Ray‑Ban Display glasses were unveiled in September.
- The glasses are paired with a Meta Neural Band wristband that detects subtle hand gestures.
- At CES, Meta showed a teleprompter feature and a function to transcribe finger-writing made on any surface.
- Meta also announced expanded pedestrian navigation to Denver, Las Vegas, Portland and Salt Lake City.
What to watch next
- Whether Meta sets a new timeline for international availability — not confirmed in the source.
- How and when Meta will increase inventory or production to address existing waitlists — not confirmed in the source.
- Any changes to software or regional services tied to a delayed international launch, including developer support — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Ray‑Ban Display glasses: Smart eyewear developed in partnership with eyewear brand Ray‑Ban that integrates visual displays and connectivity features.
- Meta Neural Band: A wristband accessory designed to detect subtle hand gestures and interact with compatible devices such as the Ray‑Ban Display glasses.
- Teleprompter feature: A software function that displays prepared text in the user’s field of view to assist with delivering remarks or presentations.
- Pedestrian navigation: Location-based guidance designed for walking routes, often providing turn-by-turn directions and visual cues.
Reader FAQ
Why is Meta pausing the international launch?
Meta said unprecedented demand and limited inventory, with waitlists extending into 2026, led it to pause international expansion.
Which countries were scheduled to get the glasses next?
France, Italy, Canada and the U.K. were planned for early 2026.
Will Meta continue selling the glasses in the U.S.?
Yes. Meta said it will focus on fulfilling U.S. orders while it reevaluates international availability.
What new features did Meta show at CES?
Meta demonstrated a teleprompter feature, a finger-writing transcription capability with the Neural Band, and expanded pedestrian navigation to additional U.S. cities.
IN BRIEF Posted: 7:04 AM PST · January 6, 2026 IMAGE CREDITS: META Aisha Malik Meta pauses international expansion of its Ray-Ban Display glasses Meta is pausing its plans to…
Sources
- Meta pauses international expansion of its Ray-Ban Display glasses
- Meta delays Ray-Ban Display glasses global rollout due to …
- Meta delays global rollout of Ray-Ban Display glasses on …
- Meta hits pause on Ray-Ban Display expansion plans
Related posts
- Aqara Smart Lock U400 Debuts with Apple Wallet Home Key for Auto Unlock
- Leaker says Apple’s iPhone 17e will enter mass production shortly
- Amazon adds fire alerts, an app store and multi-sensors to Ring doorbells