Meta has unveiled the new Ray-Ban Meta Audio smart glasses, its first AI glasses without a camera, as the company expands its wearable technology with a greater focus on audio and artificial intelligence.
The glasses were introduced at Meta Connect 2026, where Meta also announced new camera-equipped Ray-Ban Meta glasses and expanded the use of its personal AI agent, Muse.
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No Camera, but AI Features
As the name suggests, Ray-Ban Meta Audio does not have a camera. Meta has instead focused on audio and hands-free AI features, offering an alternative to camera-equipped smart glasses.
The glasses allow users to listen to music and podcasts, make phone calls and interact with an AI assistant without using their phones. Meta also announced that its Muse personal AI agent will work with its AI glasses, expanding the tasks users can perform hands-free.
The camera-free design also addresses concerns surrounding privacy that have accompanied smart glasses equipped with cameras.
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Small and Lightweight
Without a camera and other camera-related hardware, Ray-Ban Meta Audio is designed to be lightweight. Meta says the glasses weigh just 43 grams, making them its lightest and slimmest AI glasses yet.
They are available in two styles, Clubmaster and Burbank, with 23 colour and lens combinations. Both styles can also be fitted with prescription lenses.
The glasses can provide up to 12 hours of use on a single charge, while the included charging case can provide up to an additional 48 hours of battery life.
Ray-Ban Meta Audio starts at $349 and is available for pre-order, with shipping beginning October 13, 2026.
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Meta Also Showcased Camera-Equipped Glasses
At Connect 2026, Meta also unveiled Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3, the latest generation of its camera-equipped AI glasses.
The new glasses feature a 12-megapixel camera capable of recording 3K Ultra HD video. They also have a six-microphone array designed to improve voice calls and commands by reducing background noise.
Meta says Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 can provide up to nine hours of battery life. The glasses start at $449.
Unlike the camera-free Ray-Ban Meta Audio, Gen 3 allows users to capture photos and videos hands-free. Meta says a built-in LED light helps alert people nearby when photos or videos are being taken.
Meta Continues to Expand AI Glasses
Meta says it will continue improving its AI glasses through software updates and new features.
The company is expanding its use of AI across its glasses lineup, including through Muse, while also adding new audio features and other improvements.
Meta says it expects to offer more than 100 AI glasses options across Ray-Ban, Oakley and Meta Glasses by the end of 2026.
