Meta Ray-Ban Display Smart Glasses: International Rollout Put on Hold
January 6, 2026
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)
Meta's highly anticipated Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, set for an initial global rollout in early 2026, has hit an unexpected snag. According to Meta, the international launch has been paused to prioritize fulfilling US orders, with no clear timeline on when the rollout will resume outside the US. This news was quietly disclosed in a CES 2026 blog post, leaving many, especially those outside the US, disappointed.
Delayed International Availability
Meta stated that regions including the UK, Canada, France, and Italy will experience delays as the company focuses on its domestic market. A representative from Meta shared their satisfaction with the product's reception but did not specify when international customers might finally get access. As of now, there's no estimate for when the global rollout will restart.
Personal Frustration and Market Reactions
Many enthusiasts, including the article's author, are frustrated by this unexpected pause. The Ray-Ban Display glasses, priced at $799—more than double the standard Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 glasses—are attracting significant interest. However, the high cost and the mixed success of previous smart glasses like Google Glass suggest that consumer enthusiasm might be cautious.
Meta's conservative approach aims to prevent widespread dissatisfaction by managing demand carefully. Launching globally before ensuring reliable supply could lead to frustration among early buyers—a risk Meta seems eager to avoid.
Competition Heats Up
The delay occurs amidst increasing competition, notably from Google's upcoming Android XR glasses. With Google's advancements in augmented reality hardware, Meta risks losing ground if its international launch stalls too long. The company likely aims to avoid ceding the market to competitors in the early stages.
Looking Ahead
While the pause is disappointing, there is hope that Meta will resume international expansion soon. As technology developers continue to innovate, the XR market is poised for rapid growth. Fans of AR and smart glasses will have to wait a bit longer to experience Meta's latest wearable.
Stay Updated
TechRadar will be covering CES 2026 extensively, bringing you live updates and reviews of the latest gadgets and announcements. Follow our CES 2026 live news page and join our live Q&A to stay informed. Don't forget to follow us on TikTok for in-the-moment content from the show floor!
Hamish is a Senior Staff Writer for TechRadar, specializing in virtual and augmented reality, among other tech topics.