A new iFixit teardown of the Meta Ray-Ban Display Smart Glasses shows that fixing the device is far more difficult than many users hoped. While the smart glasses boast an upgraded camera, display integration, and Meta AI features, they score poorly on repairability due to heavy use of adhesives and non-modular parts.

According to iFixit, most of the internal components are glued or soldered into place, making battery or lens replacements nearly impossible without damaging key connections. The teardown reveals that the frame hides several layers of flex cables, tiny sensors, and structural parts packed tightly into the arms. Even skilled repair technicians would face major challenges reassembling them once opened.

The teardown also highlights that the micro-display and camera modules are deeply integrated into the frame’s structure, with no clear path for component replacement. The battery is buried beneath layers of wiring and adhesive, meaning it cannot be replaced without significant risk of breaking the frame entirely.

While the design supports Meta’s sleek aesthetic goals, it comes at the cost of long-term repairability. As iFixit noted, the current model would likely require a full replacement rather than repair if any internal failure occurs.

This teardown adds to a growing debate over the sustainability of wearable tech. As devices like smart glasses become more common, repairability will remain a concern for consumers who want to reduce waste and extend device lifespans.