Meta Eyes Larger Stake in World’s Leading Eyewear Manufacturer as Smart Glasses Market Heats Up
In a bold move to solidify its presence in the wearable tech space, Meta Platforms has acquired a nearly 3% stake in EssilorLuxottica SA— the global eyewear powerhouse behind iconic brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley. The investment, valued at approximately €3 billion ($3.5 billion), underscores Meta’s growing ambition in the artificial intelligence (AI) and smart glasses sector.
According to individuals familiar with the matter, Meta may further increase its stake to around 5% over time, reflecting long-term confidence in both the eyewear industry and its strategic partner. While both Meta and EssilorLuxottica have declined to comment officially, industry analysts see this as a clear indication of Meta’s commitment to dominating the smart glasses category.
A Strategic Alliance in Wearable Tech
The collaboration between Meta and EssilorLuxottica is not new. Since 2021, the two have co-developed AI-enabled Ray-Ban smart glasses that feature built-in cameras and voice-activated assistants capable of real-time functions like image captioning and delivering stock market updates.
In a recent development, the duo also introduced a line of Oakley-branded smart glasses. EssilorLuxottica CEO Francesco Milleri had previously hinted at Meta’s interest in acquiring a stake, which has now materialized amid growing momentum in the AI wearables space.
Market Reaction and Industry Impact
Following the announcement, EssilorLuxottica’s shares surged by 5.5%—the biggest gain in three months—bringing its market valuation to €116.5 billion. U.S.-based eyewear competitor Warby Parker also saw a 4.5% increase in its stock price after the news surfaced, highlighting growing investor interest in the smart glasses market.
According to analysts at Bernstein, the Meta-EssilorLuxottica deal is a strategic win for both parties. “This represents another step in Meta’s commitment to the smart-glasses category,” they stated. It not only secures Meta’s foothold in next-gen hardware but also grants access to EssilorLuxottica’s world-class manufacturing and global distribution infrastructure.
Meta’s Vision: AI + Hardware Control
CEO Mark Zuckerberg has long championed the idea that the future of tech lies in wearable, AI-powered hardware. Smart glasses present Meta with a golden opportunity to bypass reliance on third-party smartphone makers and deliver immersive experiences directly through its own branded devices.
By deepening ties with EssilorLuxottica, Meta gains valuable manufacturing insights—an essential asset for scaling smart glasses from niche gadgets to mass-market consumer products.
A Race Toward the Smart Glasses Revolution
The global smart glasses market is projected to grow from $1.93 billion in 2024 to $8.26 billion by 2030, according to GrandView Research. The rapid expansion has attracted tech giants like Apple, Google, and Xiaomi, all of whom are actively exploring non-AR smart eyewear.
Unlike full augmented reality (AR) headsets, which are still years from mainstream practicality, non-AR smart glasses offer more accessible features such as displaying notifications or navigation prompts without drastically altering the user’s perception of the real world.
Meta’s move into this space aligns with current consumer readiness and evolving technology capabilities, positioning it to be a frontrunner in wearable AI
