Meta has unveiled the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, its first AI-powered glasses without cameras, at the company’s Connect 2026 conference. Starting at $349, the new wearable is designed around audio, voice-based AI and communication rather than photography or video recording.
The glasses support music and podcast playback, phone calls, speech translation and access to Meta’s Muse AI assistant. Meta says the device can deliver up to 12 hours of battery life on a single charge, while the charging case can increase total usage to as much as 48 hours.
Developed in partnership with long-time hardware partner EssilorLuxottica, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio will be available for pre-order from October 13, 2026.
What Are Ray-Ban Meta Audio Glasses?
Unlike Meta’s existing AI glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta Audio does not feature cameras. Instead, the company has focused the hardware on audio playback, AI interactions, communication and translation.
The camera-free design also allows Meta to make the glasses slimmer and reduce the hardware required for image and video capture. According to the company, the glasses weigh approximately 43 grams.
Users will be able to choose from 23 colour and lens combinations. Meta is also offering two frame designs: the rectangular Burbank and the retro-style Clubmaster.
The glasses include interchangeable nose pads, overextension hinges and adjustable temple tips. Prescription lens options will also be available, allowing the device to function as everyday eyewear.
Ray-Ban Meta Audio Features and Battery Life
The Ray-Ban Meta Audio is built primarily for hands-free audio and AI use. Users can listen to music and podcasts, make calls, translate conversations and interact with Meta’s AI services using voice commands.
Battery life is rated at up to 12 hours, while the charging case can provide up to 48 hours of total usage, according to Meta.
Because there are no cameras, the glasses cannot take photographs or record video. Instead, their hardware is dedicated to audio experiences, communication and AI-powered functions.
Meta Muse Comes to Camera-Free Glasses
Meta is bringing its newer Muse AI assistant to the Ray-Ban Meta Audio. Users can communicate with Muse through voice commands without having to reach for their smartphone.
Muse can respond to questions, provide information and perform tasks through supported services. Meta is also expanding Muse across its wider AI glasses portfolio, positioning the assistant as a key part of its wearable strategy.
The company says Muse will also become available across its broader range of AI glasses.
Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 Also Unveiled
Alongside the camera-free model, Meta introduced the next generation of its camera-equipped Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 glasses.
The new lineup will include two additional styles, Aviator and Zena. The Zena design features a cat-eye-inspired frame.
The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 comes with a 12MP rear camera capable of recording 3K Ultra HD video. It also features a six-microphone array, while Meta claims battery life of up to nine hours.
Meta is expanding the number of colours and styles available across its AI glasses lineup and plans to introduce the products in additional markets.
More AI and Audio Features Coming to Meta Glasses
Meta also announced several software and audio improvements for its AI glasses. One of the new capabilities is Dolby Atmos Capture, which is designed to improve audio recording.
The company is also working on features that can select the optimal image from multiple frames, along with options for capturing content in either landscape or portrait orientation.
Meta said it is exploring hearing-related improvements that could benefit people who are hard of hearing. Other developments include improvements to AI responses, additional audio modes and customisable controls designed to give users more flexibility.
The company is also introducing Private Processing, which Meta says will prevent it from accessing user data in certain AI-related situations.
Price and Availability
The Ray-Ban Meta Audio starts at $349, while Meta has not yet announced pricing for India. Pre-orders are scheduled to open on October 13, 2026.
With the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, Meta is expanding its AI glasses strategy beyond cameras and video. The new model focuses on audio, voice-powered AI and everyday communication, while the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 continues to target users looking for camera and video capabilities.