What's Happening?
EssilorLuxottica, the world's largest eyewear company, reported that smart glasses accounted for more than a third of its growth in the third quarter of 2025. The company, which owns brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley, has partnered with Meta to produce six
smart glasses products. This partnership was extended last year to develop multi-generational smart eyewear products over the next decade. Meta invested €3 billion in EssilorLuxottica, acquiring a 3% stake. The company's Wearables division, which includes the Meta smart glasses, contributed over 4 percentage points to the overall revenue growth of 11.7%. EssilorLuxottica's CFO Stefano Grassi announced that due to the acceleration in the smart glasses business, the production capacity for smart glasses is expected to reach 10 million units annually earlier than planned. The smart glasses business is profitable, with around 20% of buyers opting for prescription lenses.
Why It's Important?
The growth driven by smart glasses highlights the increasing consumer interest in wearable technology, particularly in the eyewear sector. EssilorLuxottica's partnership with Meta positions it as a leader in the smart glasses market, which is expected to face competition from companies like Google and Apple. Google's collaboration with Warby Parker and Gentle Monster, and Apple's plans to launch similar products, indicate a burgeoning market that could significantly impact the eyewear industry. The profitability of EssilorLuxottica's smart glasses business suggests a successful integration of technology into traditional eyewear, potentially setting a precedent for other companies to follow.
What's Next?
EssilorLuxottica plans to increase its production capacity for smart glasses to 10 million units annually by the end of 2026, but this timeline may be accelerated due to the current growth rate. The company will likely continue to innovate and expand its product offerings in collaboration with Meta. Meanwhile, competitors like Google and Apple are expected to enter the market with their own smart glasses, potentially intensifying competition and driving further advancements in wearable technology.
Beyond the Headlines
The partnership between EssilorLuxottica and Meta not only boosts the smart glasses market but also reflects a broader trend of technology integration into everyday products. This could lead to ethical considerations regarding privacy and data security, as smart glasses often incorporate features like cameras and sensors. Additionally, the collaboration between tech giants and eyewear companies may influence cultural perceptions of eyewear, shifting it from a purely functional accessory to a tech-enhanced lifestyle product.
