Meta Invests $3.5 Billion in EssilorLuxottica to Expand AI Smart Glasses Portfolio

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📍 Menlo Park, CA — July 9, 2025
Meta Platforms has acquired a minority stake of just under 3% in EssilorLuxottica, the world’s largest eyewear manufacturer, for approximately $3.5 billion, reinforcing its commitment to AI-powered smart glasses and deepening its control over hardware development.

🕶️ Strategic Partnership and Product Expansion Meta and EssilorLuxottica have collaborated since 2019, launching two generations of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses:

• Ray-Ban Stories debuted in September 2021
• Second-generation Ray-Ban Meta launched in October 2023

Together, the companies have sold over 2 million units since late 2023, with plans to scale production to 10 million units annually by 2026, according to EssilorLuxottica CEO Francesco Milleri.

The partnership is expanding to include Oakley Meta performance glasses and upcoming Prada-branded smart eyewear, targeting diverse lifestyle and sports markets.

📈 Market Outlook and Competitive Landscape The global smart glasses market is projected to grow from $1.93 billion in 2024 to $8.26 billion by 2030, driven by rising demand for wearable AI technologies.

Major competitors are entering the space:

• Google is investing $150 million in AI eyewear with Warby Parker
• Apple is reportedly developing its first smart glasses for release by end-2026

🧠 Meta’s AI Vision The investment aligns with CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s broader AI strategy, which includes building proprietary hardware to reduce reliance on third-party smartphones. Meta’s smart glasses integrate its Meta AI assistant, offering features like real-time translation, voice commands, and contextual information.

Meta is reportedly considering increasing its stake in EssilorLuxottica to 5%, though plans remain fluid.