Meta is reportedly developing a new line of smart glasses that will omit outward-facing cameras, addressing ongoing privacy concerns. The glasses, codenamed Luna, are expected to be unveiled at Meta’s upcoming Connect developer conference in September, marking a significant shift from its previous camera-equipped models. This development is confirmed by reports from The Information, citing sources familiar with Meta’s plans, including Meta’s smart glasses.

According to The Information, Meta’s new smart glasses, Luna, will feature no outward-facing cameras, which are standard in many of its current models, including the Meta Ray-Ban and Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses. Instead, Luna will include six onboard microphones, enabling voice interactions with Meta’s AI systems, such as Meta AI and the consumer AI agent Muse. The glasses will also feature a quick-action button to activate Meta AI and built-in speakers integrated into the temple arms. The design is expected to be slim and lightweight, aligning with Meta’s goal of creating more discreet wearables.

Meta’s existing smart glasses lineup, developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, includes models with outward-facing cameras, which have faced public scrutiny over privacy issues. The company recently added a hardware safeguard in its v26 update, disabling camera functionality if the capture LED is physically removed or damaged. This was seen as a move to address privacy legislation in US states like New York and Philadelphia, where legislation is increasingly targeting wearable camera devices.

The new Luna glasses are expected to be announced at Meta’s Connect conference on September 23-24, alongside other products, including Project Phoenix, a slim mixed reality headset. The shift to camera-less glasses appears to be a strategic response to public backlash and legislative pressures, aiming to improve user trust and address privacy issues while still offering AI-powered features.

Implications for Privacy and Market Strategy

This development signifies Meta’s attempt to balance innovation with user privacy concerns. By removing outward-facing cameras, Meta aims to appeal to privacy-conscious consumers and comply with emerging legislation, potentially expanding its user base. It also reflects a broader industry trend toward more discreet, privacy-respecting wearable technology. However, the move raises questions about how these glasses will support future AR applications that typically rely on external sensors, and whether this approach will be sustainable long-term.

Meta’s Privacy Challenges and Product Evolution

Meta’s smart glasses have faced increasing scrutiny over privacy, especially regarding outward-facing cameras capable of recording the environment. The company’s collaboration with EssilorLuxottica has produced several models, including the Ray-Ban Stories and Meta Ray-Ban Display, all equipped with cameras that have prompted privacy concerns. In response, Meta introduced a hardware safeguard in its latest software update, disabling cameras if the capture LED is tampered with, but public skepticism persists.

Meanwhile, competitors like Google, Warby Parker, and Gentle Monster are also developing mixed reality and AR glasses, some with outward-facing sensors. Meta’s move to develop camera-less glasses suggests a strategic shift to mitigate privacy risks and regulatory pressures while maintaining AI and voice functionalities. The upcoming launch of Luna indicates Meta’s focus on privacy-centric design, even as industry trends continue toward sensor-rich AR devices.

Unconfirmed Details and Potential Limitations

It is not yet clear how the camera-less Luna glasses will support AR functionalities that typically depend on external sensors. The feasibility of replacing outward-facing cameras with microphones and voice AI for immersive experiences remains uncertain. Additionally, details about the final design, pricing, and availability are still emerging, and it is unclear whether the glasses will fully replace existing models or serve as a complementary product.

There is also speculation about whether other features, such as environmental sensing or object recognition, will be included, but these have not been confirmed. The industry will be watching closely to see if Meta’s approach can satisfy both privacy concerns and the technical demands of future AR applications.

Upcoming Announcements and Industry Impact

Meta is expected to officially unveil Luna at the Connect conference on September 23-24, alongside other products like Project Phoenix. The event will clarify the product’s features, pricing, and release timeline. Industry analysts will assess whether Meta’s camera-less approach influences competitors and regulatory standards.

Further updates are likely as Meta continues refining its hardware and AI integration, with potential software updates or new hardware iterations following the initial launch. The company’s strategy to address privacy while maintaining AI capabilities will be a key focus in the coming months.

Key Questions

Will the new Luna glasses support augmented reality features?

It is currently unclear whether Luna will support full AR functionalities, given the absence of outward-facing cameras typically needed for environmental sensing. The focus appears to be on AI and voice interactions.

How will Meta ensure privacy with these new glasses?

Meta’s approach includes removing outward-facing cameras and disabling them if tampered with, alongside emphasizing AI and voice features that do not require environmental recording. The company aims to address privacy concerns while offering useful functionalities.

When are the Luna glasses expected to be available?

Meta is expected to announce Luna at the September Connect conference, with a potential release window later this year. Exact availability details have not yet been confirmed.

Will existing Meta smart glasses with cameras still be sold?

Meta continues to sell current models with cameras, including Ray-Ban Stories, but the new Luna glasses are positioned as a privacy-focused alternative. It is not yet clear if the company plans to phase out camera-equipped models.

Does this mean Meta is abandoning AR development?

No, Meta still emphasizes AR and mixed reality development, as seen with Project Phoenix. The new glasses may serve a different segment or function, focusing on privacy and voice AI rather than environmental sensing.

Source: Road to VR