September 24, 2026:

Meta is expanding its smart glasses lineup with a new camera-free model. The Ray-Ban Meta Audio is designed around sound, voice commands, and AI instead of photos and videos.
The new glasses keep several features found in the existing Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses. However, there is one major difference. The camera has been removed completely.
This gives the Ray-Ban Meta Audio a more focused purpose. It is built for people who want smart audio features without having a camera on their face.

The Ray-Ban Meta Audio weighs about 43 grams. That makes it lighter than current Ray-Ban Meta AI models, which weigh between 49 and 53 grams depending on the style and size.
The difference is only a few grams. Still, it could make a noticeable difference during longer periods of use.
Meta plans to offer 23 color and lens combinations. Customers can choose between two frame styles.
The Clubmaster has a retro-inspired look. The Burbank has a more traditional rectangular design. Both options can also be fitted with prescription lenses.
Battery life is another major feature of the new smart glasses.
Meta says the Ray-Ban Meta Audio can provide up to 12 hours of use on a single charge. That is three hours longer than the maximum battery life of the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 AI glasses.
The extended battery could be useful for people who want to use their glasses throughout the day. It may be particularly appealing to those who mainly use smart audio, music, calls, and voice-based AI.
Removing the camera does not remove the glasses’ smart features, according to Gizmodo writer James Pero.
Users can listen to music and make phone calls through the glasses. They can also interact with Meta AI using voice commands.
Meta AI can perform everyday tasks. These include checking the weather, searching the web, and controlling music.
The key difference is how the glasses provide these features. Unlike camera-equipped smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio does not use cameras or computer vision.
Instead, its experience is centered on audio and voice interaction.
The Ray-Ban Meta Audio is priced at $349. Preorders are available, with shipping scheduled to begin on October 13.
The camera-free design may also appeal to people who are uncomfortable with cameras on wearable devices. Some consumers have privacy concerns about being recorded without their knowledge.
Meta has not specifically stated that privacy concerns were the reason for removing the camera. Still, the decision gives buyers another option in the smart glasses market.