Meta has introduced its first camera-free AI glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, at its Connect 2026 conference, offering users AI-powered features without the privacy concerns associated with camera-equipped smart glasses.
Developed with Meta’s hardware partner EssilorLuxottica, the audio-only glasses are designed to let users listen to music and podcasts, take calls, translate speech and interact with Meta’s Muse AI assistant.
The glasses will start at $349, with pre-orders scheduled to open on October 13.
Camera-free design focuses on privacy
Unlike Meta’s existing AI glasses, the new Ray-Ban Meta Audio does not include a camera.
The move comes after criticism of camera-equipped smart glasses, particularly concerns over people using them to record others without consent.
Meta has previously introduced measures aimed at addressing those concerns, including an update designed to disable the camera if the recording indicator light is tampered with.
The new audio-only design eliminates the camera altogether, while allowing Meta to retain several of the features offered through its AI glasses platform.
Up to 12 hours of battery life
Without cameras and their associated hardware, Meta says the new glasses are slimmer and weigh 43 grams.
They feature adjustable temple tips, interchangeable nose pads and overextension hinges. Meta claims the glasses can provide up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the charging case extends total battery life to up to 48 hours.
The glasses will be available in 23 colour and lens combinations and will come in two new Ray-Ban styles: the retro-inspired Clubmaster and the rectangular Burbank.
As with Meta’s other glasses, customers will also be able to order prescription versions.
Meta also unveils next-generation camera glasses
Alongside the camera-free model, Meta announced its next-generation camera-equipped glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3.
The new lineup will include the existing Wayfarer design as well as two additional styles, Aviator and Zena.
Meta says the new glasses feature a 12MP camera capable of recording 3K Ultra HD video, a six-microphone array and up to nine hours of battery life.
The company is also expanding its range of styles and colours and plans to make the glasses available in additional markets.
More AI features coming
Meta said its AI glasses will have access to the company’s newer Muse personal AI assistant.
The company also announced several upcoming features, including Dolby Atmos Capture, improved photo selection, landscape and portrait options, hearing enhancements, expanded AI responses, additional audio modes and customisable controls.
Meta also teased a “private processing” feature that it says will prevent the company from seeing users’ data.
The camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses represent a different approach to AI wearables, focusing on audio, communication and AI assistance without adding a camera to the device.
