Meta's recent investment in EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban and Oakley, signals a deepening commitment to the future of wearable technology and augmented reality. The tech giant has reportedly acquired a minority stake, valued at approximately $3.5 billion, representing around 3% of EssilorLuxottica's shares. This move, completed on July 9, 2025, builds upon the existing partnership between the two companies, which has already produced two generations of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
The collaboration between Meta and EssilorLuxottica began in 2019, with the first Ray-Ban Stories launching in 2021. While the initial version had its merits, the second-generation model, released in 2023, saw greater success. These smart glasses are equipped with features like the Meta AI voice assistant, allowing users to identify landmarks, get recipes by looking at ingredients, and send voice messages on WhatsApp and Messenger. The glasses also boast an upgraded camera and improved battery performance. As of February 2025, approximately 2 million pairs of Meta Ray-Ban glasses have been sold since late 2023. EssilorLuxottica aims to increase annual production to 10 million units by the end of 2026.
Meta's investment is a strategic move to strengthen its position in the burgeoning market of AI-powered eyewear. CEO Mark Zuckerberg views artificial intelligence as a core growth pillar for the company, and smart glasses offer a way to distribute Meta's apps and services through its own devices. For EssilorLuxottica, the deal provides a stronger foothold in the tech industry and validates its position as a leading innovator in eyewear. CEO Francesco Milleri has expressed that the collaboration with Meta has been a significant milestone in making glasses the gateway to the connected world.
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses combine the classic aesthetic of Ray-Ban frames with Meta's advanced technology. Unlike other smart glasses, they maintain a sleek, stylish appearance while incorporating cameras, speakers, and connectivity features. The glasses feature dual 12MP cameras for capturing photos and videos, open-ear speakers, a microphone, and a touchpad built into the frame. Users can take photos, make calls, control music, get directions, and receive real-time translations with a simple voice command.
Meta's investment in EssilorLuxottica has significant implications for the future of technology and consumer synergy. The partnership aims to redefine the boundaries of smart glasses by seamlessly blending style and functionality. By combining EssilorLuxottica's optical expertise with Meta's innovative technology, the companies are creating eyewear that is not only technologically advanced but also fashionable and appealing to a broad audience. The long-term agreement between Meta and EssilorLuxottica extends into the next decade, promising multi-generational smart eyewear products. Meta may expand its stake to roughly 5% in the future, further solidifying the relationship.
The move also reflects a broader trend of tech companies investing in the smart glasses market. Google has recently developed a prototype of Android XR glasses and is reportedly investing in Gentle Monster, one of EssilorLuxottica's competitors. These developments suggest that smart glasses are poised for mainstream adoption, with major players vying for dominance in the field. As the technology evolves, smart glasses have the potential to become an integral part of our daily lives, seamlessly blending the physical and digital worlds.
