Menlo: Meta is expected to unveil new smart glasses without a camera at its annual Connect conference on Wednesday, as concerns continue to grow over privacy and the use of wearable devices to record people without their knowledge.
The reported camera free glasses would represent a change from Meta's existing AI glasses, which combine cameras, microphones, speakers and artificial intelligence features. Meta has not confirmed all details of the new model ahead of the event, including its final name, price, launch date and technical specifications.
Reports citing The Information indicate that the new glasses could be offered in two styles known as Clubmaster and Burbank. They are expected to focus on audio and voice interaction with Meta's artificial intelligence services rather than photography and video recording. Some reports have also said the glasses could contain several microphones, but Meta has not officially confirmed these details.
Meta's Connect conference is taking place on September 23 and 24 at the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, California. The event is expected to feature new developments in artificial intelligence, smart glasses and virtual reality.
The expected camera free glasses come as Meta's existing smart glasses business continues to expand. Meta has developed its AI glasses with eyewear company EssilorLuxottica, whose brands include Ray Ban and Oakley. More than 7 million AI glasses developed by the two companies were sold in 2025.
Meta's existing glasses allow users to take photographs and record videos without holding a phone. The company says its AI glasses have a white capture light that blinks when photographs or videos are being recorded. Meta also says the camera is designed to stop working if the capture light is covered, blocked or deliberately damaged.
Privacy concerns surrounding camera equipped smart glasses have also increased. Several venues in the United Kingdom have restricted or prohibited their use, including some cinemas and other public places. Restrictions have also been introduced in some court settings because of concerns about recording and privacy.
Meta is also facing legal action in the United States over alleged privacy violations involving recordings made by its AI glasses. A federal court in California is handling litigation involving more than 70 plaintiffs. The lawsuit alleges that human reviewers viewed recordings containing highly private moments after footage was uploaded to Meta's servers. Meta has disputed the allegations and said it plans to defend itself.
The privacy debate has also attracted attention from regulators. On September 17, Paul Arnold, chief executive of the UK's Information Commissioner's Office, said smart glasses raised important questions about surveillance, safety, consent, transparency and public trust.
Arnold also highlighted potential benefits of smart glasses, including for people with visual impairments and people living with dementia. The regulator's comments reflect a wider debate about how wearable technology can be developed while protecting people's privacy.
The debate therefore goes beyond whether a device has a camera. Even without a camera, smart glasses can contain microphones and other technology connected to artificial intelligence services. Questions about audio collection, data processing, storage and consent could therefore remain important.
The reported camera free design would give Meta a smart glasses product without the camera used for photography and video on its existing AI glasses. However, questions about privacy are likely to remain relevant if the product is confirmed, particularly around audio collection and the handling of user data.
Meta is expected to provide more details during Connect on Wednesday. Until then, the reported name, price, launch date and technical specifications of the camera free glasses remain unconfirmed.