Meta readies camera-free Luna glasses for October

Meta Platforms is preparing a camera-free pair of smart glasses, internally named Luna, for an anticipated autumn launch, with deliveries expected in October, according to sources familiar with the company's strategies. These glasses focus on voice-based artificial intelligence rather than photography or video, representing a significant shift from Meta's current camera-equipped eyewear.

Reports indicate the Luna device will feature six microphones, open-ear speakers, and a physical button on one temple to rapidly activate Meta AI. This product could be unveiled during Meta Connect, Meta's annual developer event scheduled for September 23 and 24. Meta has not officially endorsed Luna, its final name, pricing, target markets, or shipping timeline, and the company did not comment on the reported plans at press time.

Eliminating the camera addresses a major concern regarding wearable smart glasses: the potential for individuals nearby to be photographed or recorded without their knowledge. Meta's existing AI glasses use a white capture light that flashes when their camera captures photos or videos. The company stated in July that its second-generation glasses will auto-disable the camera if the capture light is obstructed.

Meta has also updated its technology so that any attempt to tamper with or destroy the light will disable camera functionality. By removing the camera, Luna would eliminate these concerns while retaining microphones essential for spoken commands and AI interaction. This design shift emphasizes an always-available audio interface capable of answering questions, fulfilling requests, and delivering information through speakers near the wearer's ears.

However, Luna would lack camera-dependent features found in Meta's other glasses, such as taking photos or allowing AI to interpret what the user is viewing. This distinction could appeal to buyers seeking audio, calling, and assistant features without a recording lens. The device would also provide Meta with a means to assess if there's demand for smart eyewear beyond visual capture devices.

The six microphones are anticipated to support conversations with Meta AI and Muse, Meta's consumer AI system. Earlier this year, Meta introduced Muse Spark, a model designed for its products, which later expanded its capabilities to AI glasses, aiming to enhance voice responses and make the devices more useful as hands-free assistants.

Reports suggest the camera-free design allows for slimmer temple arms than those used in current Ray-Ban Meta models, enabling the glasses to more closely resemble conventional eyewear. Two frame styles, called Clubmaster and Burbank, are reportedly in development, though Meta has not confirmed these designs. The camera-free product would expand Meta's growing line of AI-enabled eyewear.

The company already offers smart glasses developed with EssilorLuxottica under brands like Ray-Ban, alongside its newer Meta Glasses line, which starts at $299 and comes in multiple styles and lens options. These products combine microphones, speakers, artificial intelligence, and, in camera-equipped versions, hands-free photography and video capabilities.

Meta claims millions of people use its AI glasses daily for activities like listening to music, taking photos, recording video, and accessing an assistant. However, camera-equipped smart glasses have sparked ongoing debates over bystander privacy, as their conventional appearance can make recording less conspicuous than when someone holds up a phone or camera.

Attempts to conceal notification lights have further heightened concerns about covert capture. Meta's published guidelines advise users to respect those around them, seek permission before recording, and avoid capturing content in privacy-sensitive locations. The company states that photographs and videos taken for a user's gallery remain on the glasses until the wearer chooses to transfer them to a phone.