EssilorLuxottica said its wearables revenue rose 20% at constant exchange rates in third-quarter 2026, while the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) recommended recording safeguards and Norway prepared a ban proposal for AI glasses.
That growth rate covers a broader line than smart glasses alone. EssilorLuxottica includes both AI glasses and Nuance Audio products in its wearables category, and did not report an AI-glasses-only sales total. The category generated €486 million, compared with €402 million in third-quarter 2025.
The company’s total revenue reached €7.486 billion, up 7.2% at constant exchange rates and 9% at current rates. Meta and EssilorLuxottica introduced Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in 2023.
Omdia said 4.2 million AI glasses units shipped worldwide in the first half of 2026, a 127% increase from a year earlier. Meta shipped 3.4 million units, accounting for 81.3% of the market during that period.
In a preliminary statement adopted Oct. 13, the EDPB recommended noticeable recording indicators, such as lights or audio alerts. The board said the glasses’ ordinary appearance may leave people nearby unaware that their personal data are being processed. It also encouraged limits on continuous recording and livestreaming, blurring bystanders and restrictions on use in sensitive locations.
Norway’s government said Oct. 5 that it would propose a temporary ban at selected locations, including parks, beaches, schools, museums and health facilities. It also plans to appoint an expert group to advise on longer-term national rules. The government said it would bring a bill to Parliament as soon as possible, but gave no date.
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) said the government had proposed restricting smart-glasses use in federal workplaces and public service offices. Reuters reported that an EssilorLuxottica spokesperson said rules should protect people’s rights, allow innovation and apply consistently across technologies.
