Meta has already sold millions of camera-equipped Ray-Bans. Unfortunately, they’ve also picked up a reputation problem in the process. When strangers can’t tell whether your sunglasses are recording them, every pair becomes a little suspect, and no blinking LED fully fixes that.
So at Connect 2026, Meta and EssilorLuxottica tried something refreshingly simple. They removed the camera entirely, and the result is the Ray-Ban Meta Audio.
The Camera Was the Baggage
Unsurprisingly, camera glasses have earned some ugly nicknames in their infancy, and it’s mostly come after reports of people covertly filming strangers. And while Meta did role out a software patch (disabling the camera if the recording LED gets tampered with) that really only treats the symptom.
The Audio attempts to sidestep the whole mess. There’s no lens pointed at anyone, no ambiguity, and no explaining yourself at the gym.
So What’s Actually In Here?
The new Ray-Bans have been equipped with open-ear speakers for music and podcasts, mics that Meta claims capture your voice on calls more clearly than earbuds, and hands-free access to Meta AI (which includes the company’s new Muse personal assistant). Think of these more like a set of AirPods you’re always wearing.
And now that the camera is gone, you also get the added benefit of increased battery life. These Ray-Bans provide 12 hours of use per charge, with another 48 from the included case. That’s triple the runtime of the camera-toting Gen 3 announced alongside it.
A 1986 Icon Learns to Talk
The Clubmaster, Ray-Ban’s browline classic from 1986 with roots in 1950s eyewear, is certainly our favorite from the launch announcement. But, they’re also joined by a clean rectangular frame called the Burbank. Both of which come in 23 color and lens combos and accept a wide range of prescriptions.
At 43 grams, these are also the lightest, slimmest AI glasses Meta has made. Adjustable temple tips, swappable nose pads, and overextension hinges round out the affair.
Spec Sheet
Model: Ray-Ban Meta Audio
Styles: Clubmaster & Burbank
Weight: 43 grams
Audio: Open-ear speakers
AI: Meta AI with Muse personal assistant
Camera: None
Battery Life: Up to 12 hours (+48 hours via charging case)
Prescription Compatible: Yes
Colorways: 23 color & lens combinations
Starting Price: $349
Pricing & Availability
The Ray-Ban Meta Audio is available for pre-order now starting at $349, with units shipping October 13. Head over to Ray-Ban’s or Meta’s website to spec out a pair in either frame style.
Recap
Ray-Ban Meta Audio Glasses
Meta strips the camera out of its Ray-Ban smart glasses for a 43-gram, audio-only pair with 12-hour battery life, built around the iconic Clubmaster silhouette.
