Meta is preparing to launch two new Ray-Ban AI glasses models, codenamed Scriber and Blazer, specifically designed for people who wear prescription lenses. While previous Ray-Ban models have supported prescription lenses, these represent the first models intentionally designed and marketed specifically for that segment. According to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filings published earlier this month, these models reflect Meta's recognition that billions of potential users currently wear glasses or contacts for vision correction. Why Is Meta Targeting Prescription Wearers Now? The timing of this move reflects a broader strategic shift at Meta. During a recent earnings call, Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the scale of the opportunity ahead. "Billions of people wear glasses or contacts for vision correction. It's hard to imagine a world in several years where most glasses that people wear aren't AI glasses," said Mark Zuckerberg. Mark Zuckerberg, Chief Executive Officer at Meta This statement underscores Meta's belief that prescription users represent an enormous untapped market for smart glasses adoption. The new Scriber and Blazer models won't represent a new generation of Meta's smart glasses technology. Instead, they're purpose-built variants designed to be sold through traditional prescription eyewear channels, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The Blazer will come in both regular and large sizes, with rectangular and rounded style options available. What makes these models technically noteworthy is their use of Wi-Fi 6 UNII-4 band connectivity, which could enhance reliability for high-speed data transfers. This feature matters for livestreaming and any AI features that require live video transmission to Meta's servers. The model numbers, RW7001 and RW7002, represent a significant jump from current Ray-Ban models that range from RW4002 to RW4014, suggesting potential hardware upgrades including a newer chipset. How Are Meta's Smart Glasses Performing in the Market? Meta's smart glasses business has become a genuine commercial success story. According to EssilorLuxottica's most recent earnings report, the company sold more than seven million pairs of Ray-Ban AI glasses in 2024. Mark Zuckerberg highlighted this success during the company's earnings call, noting that sales more than tripled year over year and describing them as "some of the fastest growing consumer electronics in history". Mark Zuckerberg This performance has prompted Meta to redirect its investment priorities significantly. The company is now directing most of its Reality Labs investment toward glasses and wearables going forward, while scaling back its virtual reality ambitions. To support this growth, Meta and EssilorLuxottica are ramping up manufacturing capacity to reach 20 to 30 million units annually by the end of this year, according to Bloomberg reporting from January 2025. What Strategic Changes Is Meta Making in Its Hardware Division? - VR Investment Reduction: Meta laid off 1,000 Reality Labs employees earlier this year and shuttered multiple VR game studios, signaling a deprioritization of virtual reality hardware development. - Metaverse Project Reversal: The company initially planned to shut down its Horizon Worlds metaverse project in VR but reversed this decision following pushback from VR users. - Product Line Expansion: Meta expanded its partnership with EssilorLuxottica in 2025 by launching Oakley-branded AI glasses and introducing Ray-Ban Display glasses with an integrated monocular display. The prescription-focused Ray-Ban models arrive as other technology companies race to enter the smart glasses market. Apple is planning to begin shipping its first glasses, models without displays or augmented reality capabilities, as soon as next year, according to Bloomberg News. This competitive pressure underscores why Meta is accelerating its product roadmap and expanding into underserved segments like prescription wearers. The FCC filings suggest Meta may launch these new models soon, following the company's historical pattern. When Meta unveiled its second-generation Ray-Bans in late 2023, it did so just over a month after the devices passed through the FCC. The redacted nature of FCC filings means many design details remain unknown, but the charging case mentioned in the documents suggests these models will maintain the portable charging capability of current Ray-Ban glasses. For Meta, the Scriber and Blazer models represent more than just product variants. They signal a fundamental bet that smart glasses will become as ubiquitous as traditional eyewear, and that the company best positioned to capture that market is the one that meets users where they already are: in the prescription eyewear aisle.
