> At a Glance
> – Meta has paused its early-2026 UK, France, Italy and Canada launch for the $800 Ray-Ban Display glasses
> – Extremely limited inventory and strong US demand push global waitlists deep into 2026
> – CES 2026 revealed teleprompter and finger-writing features for the AR specs
> – Why it matters: First-gen smart-glass fans outside the US face months of delays as Meta opts to fix bugs before scaling
Meta’s flashy Ray-Ban Display glasses are staying US-only for now. The company says demand has outstripped supply so sharply that overseas expansion is on ice while it clears a growing backlog.
Supply Crunch Derails Global Launch
A Meta blog post on Tuesday blamed strong demand and tight inventory for the move. The UK, France, Italy and Canada were next in line for an early-2026 debut.
> “We’ll continue to focus on fulfilling orders in the US while we re-evaluate our approach to international availability,” the company wrote.
Waitlists already stretch well into 2026, signalling a long road for eager buyers abroad.
Analysts See Caution, Not Crisis
IDC mobile-device analyst Ramon Llamas calls the pause a smart delay:
> “Better to limit the supply and address any bugs and adjustments before mass producing them.”
Futurist Daniel Burrus cites hurdles such as:
- Separate certifications
- Privacy rules
- Language support
- Retail servicing
> “Meta’s pause on international orders doesn’t feel like a stumble, rather a ‘let’s not scale too fast’ decision.”
New AR Tricks Debut at CES
While shelves stay thin, Meta teased two fresh features for the Display model:
- Teleprompter mode – discreet, scrollable cue cards inside the lens; rolling out this week
- EMG handwriting – draw letters with your finger on any surface; the neural wristband converts them to WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger text; available now in early access
| Feature | Status | Roll-out |
|---|---|---|
| Teleprompter | Ready | Week of CES 2026 |
| EMG handwriting | Early access | Immediate |
Users can opt in to test upcoming tools here.
Key Takeaways
- Meta is prioritising US orders while first-gen kinks are ironed out
- International buyers face an open-ended wait with no new timeline
- Analysts view the limited launch as risk management, not failure
- New AR features show Meta is still pushing software innovation even as hardware supply lags
For now, the Ray-Ban Display remains an American exclusive-and Meta hopes the breathing room will help it perfect the next wave before going global.
