Meta Postpones International Release of Display Glasses

The hold is due to immense demand and restricted stock.

Meta has made the decision to delay the launch of its Ray-Ban smart glasses in nations such as the UK, France, Italy, and Canada. The reason cited is an overwhelming demand and insufficient inventory, according to their announcement at CES 2026. This expansion was initially planned for early 2026 but now lacks an official rescheduled date. Instead, Meta is prioritizing fulfilling current US orders while reconsidering when to extend to international markets, as they mentioned in a blog update.

Securing a pair of Meta's display glasses has proven tough since their introduction. The glasses are not available for online purchase and are stocked in only a limited selection of physical stores—Ray-Ban, Sunglass Hut, LensCrafters, and Best Buy outlets—across the United States. To make a purchase, customers must schedule a demonstration appointment at one of these locations through Meta's website. In the run-up to the launch, Meta observed significant interest in these demonstrations, with slots filled several weeks in advance.

Challenges with Supply and Demand

While there was initial hope that more buying options would emerge over time, the halt on international rollout indicates a continued misalignment between the amount available and customer demand.

Features and Expert Opinions

Priced at $799, Meta's Ray-Ban Display glasses are unique for incorporating a heads-up display along with features like a camera, stereo sound speakers, six microphones, and WiFi 6, controlled by a finger-tracking Neural Band. Engadget's senior reporter, Karissa Bell, highlighted in her review that compared to other Ray-Ban or Oakley models, these glasses offer far greater functionality—granted the user can tolerate the bulky appearance of the frames.