Meta Unveils Camera-Free Ray-Ban Audio Glasses and Gen 3 Smart Specs at Connect 2026

Ray-Ban Meta announced two new product families: Ray-Ban Meta Audio, which removes the camera to focus on open-ear speakers and Meta AI features, and Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3), featuring 3K Ultra HD cameras and six microphones. The Audio line debuts in Clubmaster and Burbank frames at €349 starting October 13, while Gen 3 includes Wayfarer, Aviator, and Zena designs priced from €449. Both lines offer extensive lens options, including prescription, Transitions®, polarized, and blue-light filtering variants. Availability is expanding to markets such as South Africa, Portugal, Poland, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and New Zealand. Additionally, the Meta Ray-Ban Display line will reach Canada and the UK on September 24, followed by Italy, France, and Germany on October 13.

An attendee at Meta Connect 2026 reported on the keynote announcements, including Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 with new Aviator styles, a $249 entry-level model, and a partnership with K-pop idol Lisa. The author noted that while Muse AI integration and accessibility features like hearing correction were praised, the smartglasses updates felt incremental with no immediate hype compared to the new Meta VR Glasses. These VR glasses, priced at $1,299 and launching in Spring, were described by press contacts as lightweight with good passthrough but limited field of view. A surprise announcement was the Muse Charm pendant, releasing before Christmas. The author observed that attendees prioritized trying the VR devices over the smartglasses, citing a lack of excitement for the latter.

Meta has released a $60 stainless steel Charging Stand compatible with most of its smart glasses, including Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1 and Gen 2, Oakley Meta HSTN, and newly announced Meta Glasses. The stand provides a 50% charge in 20 minutes or a full charge in one hour. It is not compatible with the Meta Ray-Ban Display or Oakley Meta Vanguard. Weighing 108 grams, the device features a silicone rubber footpad and a USB-C port but does not include a cable or power adapter. While all Meta glasses come with charging cases that offer similar functionality, the stand provides a lower-friction docking option. The product is currently available on the Meta Store.

At Meta Connect 2026, Meta announced the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, its first smart glasses without a camera. Available in Burbank and Clubmaster styles, the devices retain functionality for Meta AI queries, music, audiobooks, podcasts, and calls. The Clubmaster model weighs 43 grams, making it Meta's lightest smart glasses to date, while the Burbank weighs 47 grams. This release targets consumers deterred by privacy backlash associated with camera-equipped glasses, though Meta stated development began years prior and was not driven by recent controversies. The Ray-Ban Meta Audio is available for preorder at $349, with shipping scheduled to begin on October 13.