Meta’s Ray-Ban Display Can’t Truly Replace iPhone Due to Apple’s Messaging Restrictions

Meta’s new Ray-Ban Display smart glasses, while promising in concept, face a major hurdle in their ability to replace the iPhone: limited messaging functionality, especially on iOS. Despite Meta’s claims that users can “privately view and reply to messages in iOS and Android,” the reality appears far more restricted. According to Meta’s CTO, Andrew “Boz” Bosworth, the glasses currently only support messaging through WhatsApp and Messenger—two platforms Meta owns. Full integration with Apple’s iMessage remains blocked. This limitation stems from Apple’s strict control over its ecosystem. Apple does not allow third-party devices to fully interact with iMessage, including sending or receiving replies. Even Apple Watches can only display notifications from iOS devices and rarely support full message replies. While iOS 26.1 code hints at a potential “Notification Forwarding” feature that could allow third-party wearables to show messages, there’s no indication that Apple plans to enable replies to iMessages on non-Apple hardware. Without this capability, the Ray-Ban Display falls short of being a true phone alternative. Messaging is a core function of any wearable meant to stand in for a smartphone. If users can’t respond to iMessages—especially in the U.S., where iMessage is widely used—the glasses lose much of their practical appeal. Meta’s earlier marketing materials suggested broader compatibility, but Bosworth’s comments suggest those claims may be misleading or overly optimistic. That said, Meta may not be entirely at fault. Apple’s ecosystem policies are well-known for prioritizing its own devices. The company has consistently restricted third-party access to key features, and this is no exception. Still, Meta’s public messaging about iOS integration could mislead consumers. If the glasses can’t deliver on that promise, it risks damaging trust. Outside the U.S., where WhatsApp and other third-party apps dominate, this limitation may matter less. But in markets where iMessage is central to daily communication, the absence of full functionality could be a dealbreaker. Until Apple changes its stance—or Meta finds a workaround—the Ray-Ban Display will remain a niche accessory, not a phone replacement. For now, the dream of leaving your iPhone behind may be just out of reach.