Meta Platforms plans to double production of its smart Ray-Ban glasses in 2026, signaling a major expansion in its wearable technology ambitions. The move underscores the company's shift toward hardware and augmented reality ecosystems beyond its core advertising business.
- Meta plans to double smart Ray-Ban glasses production in 2026
- Over 3.5 million units shipped since launch, with persistent supply constraints
- Smart glasses contribute less than 2% of Meta’s total revenue but support AR ecosystem growth
- Strategic alignment with Horizon Worlds and future AR hardware initiatives
- Competitive pressure from Apple (AAPL) and NVIDIA (NVD) in AI and wearable tech
- Stock showed 7% rally post-announcement, indicating positive market reaction
Meta Platforms is accelerating its wearable technology strategy by targeting a 100% increase in production capacity for its smart Ray-Ban glasses, according to recent internal planning documents. This expansion, set to roll out across Q1 and Q2 2026, reflects the company’s growing commitment to integrating AI-driven features into everyday consumer devices. The initiative comes as part of Meta’s broader push to strengthen its presence in the augmented reality (AR) and mixed-reality landscape. By scaling hardware output, Meta aims to enhance device availability, improve user adoption, and deepen integration with its Horizon Worlds platform and future AR glasses. The company has already shipped over 3.5 million units of the smart Ray-Ban line since launch, with demand consistently outpacing supply in key markets like North America, Western Europe, and Southeast Asia. This production ramp-up could position Meta to capture a larger share of the emerging AI-powered wearable market, which is projected to reach $112 billion by 2030. While the smart Ray-Ban glasses currently contribute less than 2% to Meta’s total revenue, their strategic value lies in data collection, user engagement, and ecosystem lock-in—key components of Meta’s long-term vision. Competitors such as Apple (AAPL) and NVIDIA (NVD) are also advancing AI-powered wearable and compute technologies, increasing pressure on Meta to maintain momentum. The move could influence investor sentiment toward META stock, particularly among growth-oriented funds focused on AI hardware integration. Analysts note that increased hardware volume may lead to higher device utilization and recurring software revenue. However, margins remain a concern, as the glasses rely on third-party manufacturing and proprietary AI chips. The stock’s performance in early 2026 has already shown a 7% uptick following the announcement, reflecting market optimism.