Will Ray-Ban Meta’s new audio-only glasses be enough to ease privacy concerns?

At the Meta Connect 2026 conference, Ray-Ban Meta unveiled a new line of audio-only glasses, shifting focus away from its metaverse experiment. The Audio product can play music, take calls, and answer questions via an AI assistant without capturing images. This marks the first time in the company's history that such glasses are being offered without a camera.

Ray-Ban Meta Audio glasses are designed much like open-ear headphones, allowing users to listen to music, podcasts, and make calls while staying aware of their surroundings. The frames, weighing 43 grams, are the lightest and slimmest AI glasses to date, available in two styles and 23 color combinations. Pre-orders in the US start at $349, with shipping set for October 13.

The product is also available in 14 European markets, including the UK, France, Italy, and Germany. The absence of a camera alters not only specifications but also the overall functionality and privacy implications. While still equipped with microphones and an AI assistant, the camera-free design addresses concerns over privacy and consent, as cameras in similar devices have drawn scrutiny.

Meta emphasizes that privacy is built into its glasses, and it will continue enhancing protections. However, questions remain about how the AI assistant utilizes audio data and how clearly its data practices are communicated, as these factors will likely influence potential buyers' decisions.