Meta Launches Camera-Free Ray-Ban Smart Glasses at $349

Meta has introduced new Ray-Ban smart glasses at its 2026 Connect event. These audio-only models lack cameras entirely. They start at 349 dollars.

The company launched these alongside updated camera-equipped versions. This move responds to growing public unease about wearable surveillance devices. The new models prioritize listening over recording.

Removing cameras enables lighter frames

Dropping the camera hardware allowed engineers to remove electronics from the front frame. This change reduced the weight significantly. The new glasses start at 43 grams.

This makes them lighter than the 50-gram second-generation models. They are also much lighter than the 69-gram display version. The thinner arms improve comfort for daily wear.

Meta offers two distinct styles for the audio-only line. Users can choose between Clubmaster and Burbank designs. There are 23 color and lens combinations available.

Battery life extends without camera drain

Without a power-hungry camera, the battery lasts an estimated 12 hours. This is a significant increase over camera-equipped models. Users can listen to music or podcasts for longer.

The primary functions include interacting with Meta AI and taking calls. The glasses listen for a wake word to activate. They do not continuously record or transmit audio.

Privacy trade-offs remain in the lineup

The Verge notes that Meta launched these audio models amid backlash. Many users worry about being recorded by wearables. Meta claims the audio launch was planned years ago.

However, the camera-equipped third-generation models are still available. These feature a sixth microphone and nine hours of battery life. The catch is that they continue to record video.