Meta Platforms is expected to unveil new smart glasses at its annual Connect conference, including camera-free models as concerns grow over the ability of AI-powered wearables to record people without their consent.
According to Reuters, Meta’s smart glasses, developed with EssilorLuxottica, recorded strong sales growth in 2025, putting the company ahead in the emerging AI-device market. However, their popularity has also led some UK restaurants, pubs and theatres to restrict their use over privacy concerns.
Meta is expected to introduce camera-free Clubmaster and Burbank models, alongside an updated camera-equipped Meta Ray-Ban glasses and a thinner augmented-reality model reportedly code-named Phoenix. The move follows Snap’s recent unveiling of its own $2,195 AR glasses.
Analysts say removing cameras may not completely address privacy concerns because the glasses can still record audio. They also question whether camera-free models without a heads-up display would offer enough value to consumers beyond what Bluetooth earbuds already provide.
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