At its Connect 2026 conference on Wednesday, Meta revealed its first set of camera-free AI glasses, named Ray-Ban Meta Audio. These audio-focused devices aim to address concerns about the misuse of AI glasses, which have been associated with privacy violations. The new glasses will allow users to listen to music, engage in phone calls, translate spoken language, and interact with Meta’s AI assistant, Muse.
Developed in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, Meta’s partner in AI hardware, these glasses will start at a price of $349.
Meta currently offers various AI glasses with different functions and designs, but the introduction of audio-exclusive glasses may help improve its reputation following criticisms about previous models being used for unauthorized video recording. In response to these concerns, Meta implemented safeguards, like disabling the camera when the recording indicator is tampered with. However, fears about privacy persisted.
By introducing this new device, Meta could potentially attract users who were hesitant about the previous models, offering an alternative to Apple’s Siri-enabled AirPods.
“Once you experience high-quality audio, it’s something you want constantly, right?” said Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg during a keynote speech on Wednesday. He highlighted that the company realized it could create an entirely new category of glasses focused on audio.
Without the need for cameras, these glasses are slimmer than other Meta models, weighing just 43 grams. They feature adjustable temple tips, interchangeable nose pads, enhanced hinges, and Meta claims they have a battery life of up to 12 hours on a single charge. With the included charging case, the battery life extends to a total of 48 hours.
The glasses will be available in 23 combinations of colors and lenses, featuring two new styles: a retro “Clubmaster” Ray-Ban and a classic rectangular style called “Burbank.” They can also be customized with optical prescriptions if needed.
Preorders will begin on October 13, according to the company.
Meta also announced the next generation of its AI glasses with cameras, referred to as the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3). Besides the existing Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer, new styles will include the Aviator and Zena, the latter featuring a cat-eye design. These will be equipped with a 12 MP camera capable of 3K Ultra HD video, a six-microphone array, and up to nine hours of battery life.
The collaboration between Meta and EssilorLuxottica will see an expanded selection of styles and colors, along with a new partnership featuring singer Lisa, following an earlier collaboration with Kylie Jenner. Meta also revealed plans to release these glasses in more countries worldwide.
All AI glasses from Meta will offer access to its latest personal AI assistant, Muse.
Additionally, the company hinted at upcoming features such as Dolby Atmos Capture, a tool to select the best photo from multiple options, the choice between landscape and portrait modes, audio enhancements for individuals with hearing impairments, and a mode called “private processing” aimed at protecting user data from corporate access.
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