1106 GMT - Shares in EssilorLuxottica fall 4.3% following a report that Apple is accelerating its work on rival artificial intelligence-powered smart glasses. Apple is targeting a 2027 launch for its smart glasses, according to sources cited by Bloomberg. A tie-up between Meta and EssilorLuxottica has so far dominated the U.S. smart glasses market. While Apple's market entrance will offer competition, the Ray-Ban Meta glasses will be superior, Jefferies analysts write. "We remain convinced Meta/EL will keep the lion's share of the booming market given first mover advantage, customer-appealing brands and unique distribution capabilities" they say. (josephmichael.stonor@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 18, 2026 06:06 ET (11:06 GMT)

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