Meta Ray-Ban Meta Glasses 2 EU launch rumor points to October 1 release from €329 with 12MP cameras
Meta and EssilorLuxottica are set to launch the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Gen 2 in the European Union on October 1, with prices starting at €329, according to sources familiar with the release. The smart glasses feature a 12-megapixel camera, open-ear audio, and hands-free interaction with Meta AI, but do not include an integrated display.
The Ray-Ban Meta Glasses Gen 2, developed by Meta and EssilorLuxottica, are expected to feature a 12-megapixel camera positioned on the upper left corner of the frame, along with open-ear audio, touch controls, and hands-free interaction with Meta AI in supported regions, according to product details reviewed by multiple sources. The glasses do not include an integrated display, distinguishing them from the separate Meta Ray-Ban Display model, which incorporates a heads-up display and Meta’s Neural Band technology. All versions ship with a charging case that extends battery life between wall charges.
Pricing details for the EU release remain unconfirmed.
While the rumored starting price is €329, no official announcement from Meta or EssilorLuxottica has verified this figure. Current pricing for the Gen 2 glasses in the United States and United Kingdom starts at $379 or £379, respectively, with optional polarized or transition lenses adding between $30 and $80 depending on configuration, according to sales listings and reviews. The more advanced Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses are priced at $799 in the U.S., but have not been made available in Europe.
Regulatory and supply challenges continue to delay the launch of Meta’s display-equipped smart glasses in the European Union. Bloomberg and other outlets have reported that Meta’s plans to expand sales of the display model to the UK, France, Italy, and Canada in January 2026 have been put on hold due to battery regulations and AI compliance requirements. The EU’s new battery rules, effective February 18, 2027, mandate user-removable batteries in many categories of devices, including wearables such as smart glasses. Meta’s current hardware design does not meet these criteria, complicating approval for sale in the region. Additionally, AI regulations governing connected devices with on-device AI assistants present further hurdles, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Meta has reportedly engaged in discussions with EU authorities seeking exemptions for wearables, but no agreement has been reached. Industry observers consider these regulatory obstacles a broader warning for the wearables market, as many manufacturers will face similar compliance demands. Supply constraints have also limited Meta’s ability to scale production of the display-equipped glasses beyond the U.S., further delaying any EU launch. A person with knowledge of the situation told Bloomberg that Meta has struggled to secure sufficient inventory to support a full European rollout.
The Gen 2 Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have been available in multiple frame styles, including Wayfarer, Headliner, Skyler, and newer Blazer and Scryer frames designed for prescription lenses. Compared to the first generation, the Gen 2 models weigh slightly more—52 grams versus 49.2 grams—and offer twice the on-device battery life, supplemented by an additional 16 hours from the charging case. Wireless connectivity includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, with FCC filings indicating testing of Wi-Fi 6 U-NII-4 (5.9 GHz) in upcoming models, a variation from the Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz) used in current versions.
Despite speculation about an October 1 EU launch date, no official communication from Meta, EssilorLuxottica, or Ray-Ban has confirmed this timing or pricing. Reports citing unnamed sources or secondary outlets have circulated the rumored release date and price, but these remain unverified and should be regarded as speculative. Meta’s Connect event indicated that the display-equipped glasses would not reach Europe until 2026 and then only in select countries, underscoring the tentative nature of any near-term EU availability.
The Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses have been on sale in the United States since September 2025, serving as the initial market for the display-enabled variant. However, the European market remains closed to this product line amid ongoing regulatory scrutiny and supply issues. The combination of new battery regulations and AI oversight has forced Meta to pause its planned expansion, with no confirmed retail date for the EU. As a result, Meta’s ambitions for the European wearables segment face significant delays pending regulatory resolution and supply stabilization.
