Ray-Ban Display Glasses Face Supply Crunch: Meta Shelves $799 Headset Global Expansion Plans

Meta is hitting the brakes on its international expansion for the Ray-Ban Display AI glasses, with surging U.S. demand creating an unexpected supply shortage. The postponement affects planned launches in the U.K., France, Italy, and Canada, as the company grapples with waitlists that now stretch into 2026.

The $799 smart eyewear, which debuted last September under CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s vision, represents Meta’s most ambitious consumer AI hardware push to date. These display glasses enable users to consume content and respond to messages through a paired neural wristband interface, marking a significant step toward mainstream adoption of spatial computing devices.

Supply Chain Realignment

Meta’s inventory constraints reveal the double-edged sword of launching cutting-edge consumer hardware. The company, which has collaborated with EssilorLuxottica (Ray-Ban’s parent company) since 2019, renewed its partnership last year and is now facing the consequences of underestimating demand. Interest levels have far exceeded internal projections, forcing leadership to consolidate resources on the largest market rather than risk stretching manufacturing capacity too thin across multiple regions.

This supply crunch also signals broader trends in the eyewear technology sector. EssilorLuxottica has already benefited financially from the collaboration, and the partnership extension suggests both parties are committed to the long-term vision—even as near-term availability challenges emerge.

Competitive Landscape Intensifies

The market for AI-powered smart glasses is no longer exclusive to Meta. The competitive pressure in spatial computing hardware continues to mount, with multiple tech giants and partnerships vying for consumer attention. Meta’s decision to consolidate domestic inventory reflects the real constraints of manufacturing at scale while competitors similarly race to bring their own wearable AI solutions to market.

The $799 price point positions Meta’s offering in the premium consumer segment, and managing its reputation for availability will be crucial as competitors launch alternative products. By prioritizing U.S. demand now, Meta is betting on building brand momentum domestically before expanding abroad.

Market Response

META shares reflect this strategic pause, trading near $659.43 with modest movements. Investors will likely watch whether Meta can sustain momentum as waitlists extend and international customers face extended delays. The company’s ability to scale production while maintaining quality standards will determine whether this supply constraint becomes a temporary growing pain or a longer-term limitation.