Ray-Ban Meta Audio Ditches the Camera, Starting at $349, Ships October
Meta unveiled its first camera-free smart glasses, Ray-Ban Meta Audio, at Connect 2026, focusing on voice calls and Meta AI features. Pricing starts at $349, with shipping beginning October 13.
No camera, no recording indicator light—looking at these glasses from the front, the only thing you might notice is that the temples are slightly thicker than regular sunglasses. Otherwise, they look just like an ordinary pair of Ray-Bans. That's exactly the point Meta wanted to make when it unveiled Ray-Ban Meta Audio at Meta Connect 2026: this is Meta's first smart glasses to completely drop the camera.
According to Engadget, Meta's previous generation of camera-equipped smart glasses earned the nickname "pervert glasses" among some users after being used for covert filming. Meta hasn't officially framed Ray-Ban Meta Audio as a response to that backlash, instead saying that voice features have always been the most-used function on its smart glasses, and that this time it chose to focus resources on audio and AI experiences.
Without a camera, Ray-Ban Meta Audio can still take calls, reply to messages by voice, and play podcasts and music—all without cutting the wearer off from their surroundings. The glasses also serve as a gateway to Meta AI, enabling real-time translation and instant Q&A.
Meta says a single charge lasts up to 12 hours, extendable to 48 hours with the charging case. Without the camera module, the frame weighs down to 43 grams—lighter than the recently launched Optics glasses (49.2 grams) and far below the largest Ray-Ban Meta Display model at 69 grams. The design carries over the previous generation's adjustable temples, replaceable nose pads, and spring-loaded hinges for extra flex, all meant to accommodate different head shapes.
The new lineup comes in two frame styles: the square-shaped Burbank and the slightly retro Clubmaster, available in 23 color and lens combinations, with support for various prescription options.
Engadget's report suggests Ray-Ban Meta Audio is unlikely to win over critics who oppose smart glasses on principle, but it could appeal to potential users who were simply uneasy about glasses with an outward-facing lens—unless Meta decides to revive the facial recognition feature it previously tested, which could reignite the controversy.
Ray-Ban Meta Audio is available for pre-order today, starting at $349, with official shipping set for October 13.
