Meta introduces camera-free AI glasses

At its Connect 2026 conference, Meta introduced a new audio-only smart glasses model called the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, produced in partnership with EssilorLuxottica. The company presented the device as a lightweight alternative to its camera-equipped eyewear, emphasizing audio features such as music and podcast playback, phone calls, speech translation, and integration with Meta’s personal AI assistant, Muse. Meta said the camera-free design addresses prior criticism and privacy concerns linked to earlier AI glasses that included cameras. By removing cameras, the company aims to avoid misuse that previously drew public backlash and nicknames like “pervert glasses.” CEO Mark Zuckerberg framed the product as part of a broader move toward an audio-focused category of wearable devices. The Ray-Ban Meta Audio is slimmer than Meta’s camera models and weighs 43 grams. Meta claims battery life of up to 12 hours on a single charge, extendable to as much as 48 hours using the included charging case. The glasses will be offered in 23 color and lens combinations across two new frame styles — “Clubmaster” and “Burbank” — and can be ordered with optical prescriptions. Alongside the camera-free model, Meta unveiled the next-generation Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) glasses that include cameras. The Gen 3 lineup adds Wayfarer, Aviator and Zena frame styles, and the camera-equipped models feature a 12 MP camera capable of 3K Ultra HD video, a six-microphone array, and up to nine hours of battery life. Meta also announced software and feature updates across its eyewear range, including Dolby Atmos Capture support, improved photo selection, audio modes, hearing enhancements, more detailed AI responses, and a “private processing” option the company says will keep user data from being visible to Meta. Meta plans to expand the Ray-Ban Meta offerings to additional countries and to extend brand partnerships and style choices, following previous collaborations with public figures. The company said preorders for the Ray-Ban Meta Audio will open on October 13, with the audio model starting at $349 and accessories such as a charging case included in the battery life claims.