Meta Expands Ray-Ban Smart Glass Lineup With Camera-Free Audio Model

On September 24, 2026, Meta announced two new smart glasses, broadening its connected eyewear catalog. These include the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3, which 01net.com describes as "thinner and more durable," and the new Ray-Ban Meta Audio. Meta's stated goal is to offer "a pair of glasses for every personality," with 01net.com reporting that over 100 different models, spanning Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Meta Glasses, are expected to hit the market by year-end.

The primary new offering detailed by 01net.com is the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, a completely camera-free model. This design choice makes it Meta's lightest smart glass to date, targeting users who want an alternative to traditional Bluetooth earbuds and prefer to interact with Meta AI without the privacy implications of an integrated camera. According to 01net.com, audio has been the "most popular feature of Meta glasses since their inception."

The Ray-Ban Meta Audio boasts up to 12 hours of autonomy. It will be available for pre-order starting September 23, 2026, in Burbank and Clubmaster styles, priced at 349 euros. The market release is set for October 13, 2026.

01net.com's hands-on impression of the Ray-Ban Meta Audio highlights its remarkable lightness. Weighing just 43 grams, the glasses are, as 01net.com notes, "as light and discreet as a classic pair of glasses," making it "impossible to determine you are wearing Bluetooth glasses" even at close range. The outlet suggests this could be an excellent option for all-day wear, particularly for those who already require prescription eyewear.

Our take: Meta's introduction of a camera-free model is a smart play, directly addressing a significant privacy concern that has shadowed smart glasses since their inception. By offering an audio-only variant, Meta can expand its market reach to users wary of recording capabilities, potentially positioning the Audio model as a compelling upgrade from standard wireless earbuds, especially for those seeking always-on AI assistance in a discreet form factor. This move demonstrates a pragmatic approach to segmenting the smart eyewear market and catering to diverse user needs beyond just capturing content.