Meta and EssilorLuxottica Sold Over 7 Million Smart Glasses in 2025, Reviving Privacy Debate

Meta and EssilorLuxottica sold more than 7 million smart glasses in 2025, serving as the dominant driver of Ray-Ban owner wholesale growth in H2. This sales acceleration has reignited privacy concerns regarding wearable cameras, echoing the backlash against Google Glass. Critics argue that glasses create social uncertainty because they record without the obvious physical cues associated with smartphones. Meta addresses this by including a front-facing LED to indicate recording; if blocked, the device will not capture media. The debate highlights a contradiction where users accept smartphone surveillance capabilities while resisting similar features in eyewear. As smart glasses gain momentum, overcoming the "glasshole" stigma remains a challenge for broader consumer acceptance.