Meta launched Ray-Ban Meta Audio, its camera-free AI glasses, at Connect 2026.
Why it matters: The camera-free model gives Meta a lower-profile way to push AI glasses to consumers. It also broadens the company’s wearables lineup as it tries to make smart eyewear more practical for everyday use.
- Meta introduced Ray-Ban Meta Audio, an audio-only pair of AI glasses, at Meta Connect 2026 in Menlo Park, California.
- The glasses are built for music, podcasts, calls, live translation and Meta’s Muse AI assistant.
- Meta says the camera-free model weighs 43 grams, lasts up to 12 hours on a charge and up to 48 hours with the case.
- Pricing starts at $349, with preorders beginning Oct. 13, 2026.
Meta is adding a camera-free option to its smart-glasses lineup, aiming at users who want voice, audio and AI features without onboard image capture. The company said Ray-Ban Meta Audio is its lightest and slimmest AI glasses yet in a company announcement.
The glasses support music, podcasts, calls, live translation and Muse, Meta’s AI assistant. Meta says the product is designed for all-day wear, with a 43-gram frame, up to 12 hours of battery life and up to 48 hours with the charging case. Those specs were also included in a release from EssilorLuxottica, Meta’s eyewear partner.
Meta introduced the model alongside Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3), which adds a 12 MP camera, 3K Ultra HD video and a six-mic array, according to EssilorLuxottica. The company said the broader partnership will continue expanding across Ray-Ban, Oakley and Meta Glasses.
Meta’s Connect recap said the launch was part of a broader push around AI glasses and wearables. The company said preorders for Ray-Ban Meta Audio begin Oct. 13, 2026, with pricing starting at $349.
By the numbers
- 43 grams - Meta says that is the weight of Ray-Ban Meta Audio.
- 12 hours - Meta says the camera-free glasses last on a charge, or up to 48 hours with the case.
- $349 - Starting price for the new glasses.
Yes, but: The launch details and specs are still coming mainly from Meta and EssilorLuxottica materials, which limits independent verification of the product claims.
What's next: Preorders begin Oct. 13, 2026.