Meta has unveiled a new line of AI-powered glasses without cameras, called Ray-Ban Meta Audio, at its Connect 2026 event. This move addresses privacy concerns and backlash around previous models that featured cameras, which some critics dubbed "pervert glasses" due to fears of covert recording. These audio-only glasses focus on providing high-quality sound for music, calls, podcast listening, real-time speech translation, and integration with Meta’s AI assistant, Muse. The collaboration with EssilorLuxottica brings these products to market at a starting price of $349.

Unlike Meta’s previous wearable offerings, the absence of cameras makes these glasses slimmer and lighter, weighing just 43 grams. They support up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge and up to 48 hours using the included charging case. The glasses will be available in 23 color and lens combinations, including two new frame styles: a retro “Clubmaster” Ray-Ban and a classic rectangular “Burbank” design. Users can also order glasses with their optical prescription.

Preorders for the camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses begin on October 13. Concurrently, Meta announced an updated version of its AI glasses with cameras, the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3, featuring a 12MP camera capable of 3K Ultra HD video, six microphones, and up to nine hours of battery life. This lineup expansion also brings new frame styles and increased global availability, building on partnerships with celebrities like singer Lisa, following an earlier initiative with Kylie Jenner.

All of Meta’s AI glasses incorporate the Muse assistant and will receive new functionalities soon. Planned updates include Dolby Atmos Capture for enhanced sound, improved photo selection algorithms, hearing assistance features, customizable controls, various audio modes, and a “private processing” option designed to keep users’ data secure from Meta’s view. These innovations aim to enhance user privacy and overall experience while addressing the negative perceptions that have affected AI eyewear recently.