Meta has invested $3.5 billion to acquire roughly 3% of EssilorLuxottica’s Asia-Pacific unit, the world’s largest eyewear maker, in a bid to strengthen its artificial intelligence (AI) glasses business. Sources say Meta is considering raising its stake to around 5% in the future, signaling a shift to reduce reliance on smartphone platforms and build its own dedicated hardware ecosystem.
The move underscores Meta’s strategic focus on expanding beyond social media into smart wearables. EssilorLuxottica, owner of brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley, brings manufacturing expertise and a vast distribution network in Asia—critical for scaling AI-powered glasses to mass markets. This partnership could accelerate Meta’s vision of integrating AI into daily eyewear, from real-time translation to augmented reality features.
Analysts note the investment aligns with Meta’s push to diversify revenue streams amid slowing ad growth. By deepening ties with EssilorLuxottica, Meta aims to challenge rivals in the emerging smart glasses space while tapping Asia’s booming tech gadget demand. Further stake increases may grant Meta greater influence over product development, as it seeks to establish a dominant hardware ecosystem.
