Repairability Sacrificed for AR Excellence

⊲ iFixit ⊳ Meta’s $800 Ray-Ban Display smart glasses house intricate waveguide optics that channel light through multilayered coated glass and internal mirrors, delivering augmented visuals via a compact LCoS micro-projector. However, the build prioritises sleekness over serviceability. Arms are glued shut, connectors are soldered, and components are near impossible to reach without damage, leaving little room for repairs or upgrades. Although the glasses represent a significant technological advancement, manufacturers must prioritise repairability for wearables to be truly viable alternatives to smartphones.
⊲ Image – iFixit ⊳