iFixit: Meta Ray‑Ban Display AR glasses — impressive tech, poor repairability
iFixit’s teardown of the Meta x Ray‑Ban Display AR glasses finds a mix of cutting‑edge engineering and frustratingly low repairability. iFixit praises the optics and projection system but warns these first‑gen smartglasses are likely unrepairable for most users.
Key findings
- Repairability: Arms and frame must be split to access components like the battery; speakers are soldered in. iFixit called repairs “likely to need specialized skills and tools.”
- Lenses: Custom, specially‑made waveguide lenses that use partially reflective mirrors to direct light — excellent craftsmanship but hard to source or swap.
- Display tech: A mini projector (LCoS) in the right arm creates a 600×600 pixel image. The waveguide lenses prevent obvious “eye glow” and limit viewing angles for onlookers.
- Cost: Manufacturing the lenses is likely expensive; iFixit suggests Meta may be selling at a loss. Retail price is about $800.
Why it matters
The glasses show what AR can do in a compact, discrete frame, but limited repairability raises concerns about device longevity, e‑waste, and long‑term ownership costs. iFixit urges future designs to prioritize replaceable batteries, modular arms, and swappable lenses.
Links & where to learn more
- Product listing: Ray‑Ban / Meta Display listing
- Search for related products on Amazon: Ray‑Ban Meta smart glasses on Amazon (affiliate tag included)
- Teardown and full analysis: iFixit’s teardown (referenced in this summary)
Bottom line: impressive optics and display tech, but repairability is a major weak point. Would you pay $800 for AR that’s hard to fix? Share your thoughts below.