Meta is adding a camera-free branch to its smart-glasses lineup. The company introduced Ray-Ban Meta Audio at Connect 2026 as a $349 pair focused on open-ear audio, calls and hands-free access to Meta AI. Preorders opened Sept. 23, with shipping scheduled for Oct. 13.
The omission is the point. Unlike Meta's camera-equipped glasses, the Audio model cannot take photos or video and lacks the computer-vision features that depend on a camera. It can still play music and podcasts, handle calls and let wearers ask Meta AI for information or control playback by voice.
A lighter frame with longer claimed battery life
Meta says the glasses weigh 43 grams and run for up to 12 hours on a charge. The included case adds up to 48 hours, according to the company. Gizmodo's James Pero, who tried the glasses at Connect, reported that they felt somewhat lighter than camera-equipped Ray-Ban Meta frames weighing 49 or 53 grams.
Buyers can choose between Clubmaster and Burbank frames in 23 color and lens combinations. Both styles support prescription lenses and include adjustable or replaceable nose pads, adjustable temple tips and overextension hinges.
Camera-free does not settle every privacy question
Removing the camera eliminates the possibility that this model is quietly recording people nearby. Gizmodo connected that choice to mounting criticism of camera-equipped smart glasses, though Meta did not say privacy concerns motivated the product.
The tradeoff is straightforward: the Audio model offers a lower starting price and three more hours of claimed battery life than the new $449 Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3, but it gives up photo capture, 3K video and visual AI features. It is aimed at buyers who want wearable audio and voice assistance without a camera on their face.
