[DigitalToday reporter Chi-gyu Hwang (황치규)] Meta unveiled its first AI glasses without a camera, called Ray-Ban Meta Audio.

On Sept. 23 local time, TechCrunch reported that Meta announced both audio-only AI glasses and the next-generation third Ray-Ban Meta model with a camera at its annual Connect 2026 conference.

Ray-Ban Meta Audio supports music and podcast playback, calls, voice translation and conversations with Meta AI assistant Muse. It removes the camera entirely, focusing on reducing controversy over privacy violations surrounding existing AI glasses.

Existing AI glasses have faced criticism that some users could abuse them to record video without the other party's consent. Meta released an update that disables the camera if the recording-indicator LED is damaged, but the controversy continued.

The new product was designed by Meta AI hardware partner EssilorLuxottica. Prices start at $349. With the camera removed, it is thinner than other Meta glasses products and weighs 43 grams. Battery life is up to 12 hours per charge, or up to 48 hours with the charging case.

The product will come in a total of 23 color and lens combinations. New styles are the Ray-Ban Clubmaster and a rectangular style called Burbank. Prescription lenses can also be ordered. Pre-orders start on Oct. 13.

The third-generation Ray-Ban Meta model with a camera supports a 12-megapixel camera, 3K ultra HD video recording, a six-microphone array and up to 9 hours of battery life.

Meta is also expanding styles and colors in its existing AI glasses lineup and will carry out a new collaboration with singer Lisa. It also plans to expand the countries where the products are sold.

Meta plans to add Dolby Atmos capture, selecting the best photo from multiple frames, choosing landscape and portrait modes, listening assistance for users with hearing loss, more detailed responses, various audio modes, customized controls and private processing.