ultimateimp – Meta Platforms has acquired a minority stake in EssilorLuxottica SA, the world’s largest eyewear maker. The investment, valued at approximately €3 billion ($3.5 billion), gives Meta just under three percent ownership of the Ray-Ban manufacturer. The move marks a significant step in Meta’s effort to expand its presence in the growing smart glasses market.
Read More : Paul Pogba Eyes Strong Comeback with Monaco and France
People familiar with the deal said Meta may increase its stake to about five percent, though that plan remains flexible. The two companies have worked together since 2021 to develop smart glasses that combine fashion with technology. Meta’s current Ray-Ban models include built-in cameras and an AI assistant that offers real-time features like image captioning and stock updates.
The announcement caused EssilorLuxottica shares to jump as much as 5.5 percent, the biggest gain in three months. Analysts at Bernstein said the partnership reflects Meta’s strong commitment to the smart glasses space. They added that the investment shows confidence in the eyewear company’s role in shaping the future of connected eyewear.
Meta declined to comment on the deal. However, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has previously stated that smart glasses are central to the company’s AI-driven hardware strategy. Zuckerberg aims to create devices that operate independently from smartphones and allow Meta to control hardware and software in its ecosystem.
Last month, Meta launched Oakley-branded glasses with EssilorLuxottica, further expanding their collaboration. This comes after CEO Francesco Milleri hinted in 2023 at Meta’s interest in taking a stake, which has now materialized.
Strategic Goals Align as Meta Bets on Smart Glasses Future
Meta’s investment offers more than financial partnership; it gives the tech giant closer access to eyewear manufacturing and global distribution. This knowledge is vital for Meta’s ambition to scale smart glasses for mass-market use. The deal also strengthens EssilorLuxottica’s footprint in the tech sector, enhancing its potential to benefit from future wearable innovations.
For Meta, the move aligns with its broader push into AI and hardware development. While most of its services rely on external devices like smartphones, smart glasses provide a new channel for direct user interaction. Zuckerberg believes these glasses can redefine how people work, communicate, and consume digital content.
The current generation of Meta’s smart glasses does not offer full augmented reality. Instead, they deliver information overlays through AI assistance, part of a trend known as non-AR smart glasses. Analysts expect AR technology to become practical within a few years, but for now, non-AR solutions dominate the market.
Read More : AMD Zen 6 Aims for 7GHz Boost Clock, New Leak Suggests
The smart glasses industry is projected to grow from $1.93 billion in 2024 to $8.26 billion by 2030, according to GrandView Research. Competitors are entering the space as well. Google has teamed up with Kering Eyewear, while Xiaomi has revealed its own smart eyewear plans.
As Meta solidifies its place in the wearables market, its partnership with EssilorLuxottica could prove key to gaining long-term hardware independence. The combination of Meta’s tech capabilities and EssilorLuxottica’s eyewear legacy creates a powerful foundation for the next generation of AI-enhanced devices.
