EssilorLuxottica and Meta Will Expand Smart Glasses Sales
The companies plan to bring Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses to 10 new markets, including South Africa, later in 2026.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Accessories
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EssilorLuxottica and Meta will expand the retail availability of their smart glasses to 10 new international markets by the end of 2026. This move follows a joint expansion announcement made on 24 September 2026.
Why it matters
The international rollout marks a significant push to increase the global footprint of wearable AI technology beyond North America. This expansion introduces these products to new regions following the initial launch of the Muse AI agent in the United States and Canada.
The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 glasses weigh 43g with a 9-hour battery life, while the upcoming Meta Audio line offers 12 hours of battery life and starts at $349. Prices include R10 745 for the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer and $449 for the Gen 3 model.
The players
EssilorLuxottica
This Italian-French multinational corporation is a leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of ophthalmic lenses, frames, and sunglasses.
Meta
Formerly known as Facebook, this American multinational technology conglomerate owns platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
The details
The upcoming expansion plans follow significant product development, including the removal of facial recognition code from the companion app in June 2026 and the September launch of the Muse AI agent. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 hardware includes an LED alert light for photo or video capture to address previous security concerns that led to a delayed release earlier in April 2026.
Timeline
April 2026: Meta delayed the Muse release for security reasons.
June 2026: The company removed facial recognition code from its companion app.
8 September 2026: The Muse AI agent was launched.
24 September 2026: EssilorLuxottica and Meta announced the expansion into 10 new markets.
13 October 2026: The Ray-Ban Meta Audio product line is scheduled to begin shipping.
Roadmap
This move represents a strategic push to standardize smart eyewear as a mainstream consumer accessory rather than a niche tech product. The international scaling of these frames challenges competitors to accelerate their own AI-integrated wearable hardware portfolios.
Shoppers in newly added markets will gain access to smart glasses that feature integrated photo and video capture capabilities. Potential buyers should consider the device weight of 43g and current battery life specifications when evaluating these wearables for daily use.
The takeaway
The expansion signals a transition toward global availability for AI-integrated eyewear, requiring users to remain aware of privacy features like the built-in LED alert light. Consumers should evaluate the battery life and hardware weight before adopting these devices into their daily routines.
What happens next
The Ray-Ban Meta Audio line is scheduled to begin shipping on 13 October 2026, while the broader market expansion is slated for later in 2026.
Further reading
Find more on the evolution of wearable hardware in the Accessories section.
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