Meta Announces Three New AI-Powered Smart Glasses at Connect 2026 Conference
Meta Platforms unveiled three new smart glasses models with integrated artificial intelligence capabilities during its annual Connect 2026 developer conference held on September 23-24 in Menlo Park, California. The announcement marks a significant expansion of Meta’s wearable technology lineup, building on the success of its Ray-Ban smart glasses partnership with EssilorLuxottica.
The new devices feature advanced AI functionality powered by Meta’s Muse AI agent, which was officially launched earlier in September. Among the notable innovations is a camera-free model codenamed ‘Luna,’ which relies on an array of six microphones instead of cameras to enable voice interactions with Meta AI while addressing privacy concerns that have surrounded previous camera-equipped smart glasses. This audio-focused approach allows users to ask questions, give commands, and engage in conversations with the AI assistant without the ability to record video or photos.
The glasses also include a ‘hearing enhancement’ feature that has received FDA clearance, effectively transforming them into hearing aids for users who need auditory support. This feature will be available to Meta One subscribers or as a one-time purchase for $149, rolling out later in the year. The Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 model introduces improved battery life, a programmable action button, an additional microphone, and two new frame styles, with pricing starting at $449.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized during the keynote that artificial intelligence continues to dominate Meta’s product strategy, positioning these wearables as part of the company’s vision for the ‘next computing platform.’ The devices integrate with Meta’s broader AI ecosystem, including the Llama large language model and the Muse personal AI agent, which can assist with tasks ranging from booking reservations to managing communications. The smart glasses are expected to ship in October 2026, with the camera-free Luna model starting at $349 and offering up to 12 hours of battery life.
