In a significant move, Meta has officially put its ambitious international expansion plans for the groundbreaking Ray-Ban Display smart glasses on hold. The tech giant cites "unprecedented demand" and "extremely limited inventory" in the United States as the primary reasons for this strategic pause.
Why the Global Launch is on Hold
Originally scheduled for an early 2026 debut in key markets like the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and Canada, the rollout has been suspended indefinitely. Meta announced this decision on Tuesday, explaining that the overwhelming interest in the product has created waitlists that now extend well into 2026 for American customers.
The company stated it will now focus entirely on fulfilling the existing orders in the US market before re-evaluating its approach to international availability. This marks a setback for global tech enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the device's arrival outside America.
Product Specifications and Key Features
Developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the Ray-Ban Display glasses represent Meta's first foray into smart eyewear with an integrated visual display. They are packed with cutting-edge technology designed for seamless interaction.
The display itself is a 600x600 pixel hi-res full-colour unit offering a 20-degree field of view. This enables users to see information directly in their line of sight. For photography, the glasses feature a 12MP camera with 3x zoom, and the in-lens display acts as a viewfinder to help frame the perfect shot.
Audio is handled by a six-microphone array and open-ear speakers, facilitating music playback, calls, and interactions with Meta AI. On the battery front, the glasses promise up to 6 hours of use on a single charge, extending to 30 hours with the included charging case.
The Neural Band and AI Integration
A standout accessory is the complimentary Meta Neural Band, which utilizes EMG (electromyography) technology. This wristband translates subtle muscle signals into digital commands, allowing users to scroll, click, or pinch-control the glasses without physical contact.
The integration of the display supercharges the Meta AI experience. Users can get answers to queries and follow step-by-step tutorials directly in their vision. Furthermore, a simple pinch gesture lets users view and send messages on popular platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. The glasses also support taking video calls on WhatsApp and Messenger.
This pause in global expansion underscores the high demand for this new category of wearable tech, even as it disappoints international consumers. Meta's decision highlights the challenges of scaling production for a complex, first-of-its-kind product that blends fashion with advanced artificial intelligence and augmented reality.
