Meta and Essilor Luxottica are discussing the possibility of doubling production capacity of artificial intelligence-powered smart glasses by the end of this year to capture growing demand and curb rivals, according to people familiar with the matter. People familiar with the matter said that as sales of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses gradually gain momentum, Meta has proposed to increase annual production capacity to 20 million pairs or more by the end of 2026.
Meta CEO Zuckerberg showed off Meta Ray-Ban glasses in September
These people also said that the two sides have also discussed further establishing an annual production capacity of more than 30 million units if demand is sufficient to support it. But they stressed that no decision had been made yet.
The move underscores Meta's desire to extend its artificial intelligence strategy into hardware that enables end-to-end control, thereby reducing reliance on smartphones produced by rivals. The increase in production capacity will unleash confidence that smart glasses can break through the limitations of early adopters and move towards the mass market.
Representatives for Meta and EssilorLuxottica declined to comment.