At Connect 2026, held in the United States, Meta unveiled a new line of AI glasses, including the camera-free, audio-focused Ray-Ban Meta Audio. The glasses are reportedly expected to launch in Japan in 2027 or later.
At Connect 2026, Meta unveiled new products including Ray-Ban Meta Audio and announced that it would add Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) and Meta VR Glasses to its lineup. Ray-Ban Meta Audio is an audio-only model without a built-in camera, designed specifically for voice features such as voice conversations, music playback, calls and replying to messages.
Ray-Ban Meta Audio weighs approximately 43g and offers up to 12 hours of battery life. It will be available in two frame styles: Clubmaster and a classic rectangular-style design. The US launch is scheduled for 13 October. The price has not been announced, while its rollout in Japan is expected in 2027 or later.
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) is the existing camera-equipped model. Other developments aimed at the Japanese market are also under way, including new colors for Optics, continued sales of Gen 2 and an expanded collection of Meta Glasses. In addition to its new products, Meta indicated that it plans to expand the VR experience to smart glasses.
Regarding the rationale behind its AI glasses development, a company representative cited the high frequency of voice-feature use on its existing AI glasses and explained that the aim was to improve wearability by omitting features such as the camera. Development is said to have begun approximately 2 years ago.