Meta to introduce smart glasses without cameras due to privacy concerns

Meta to introduce camera-free smart glasses amid privacy concerns

Meta is expected to unveil its new camera-free smart glasses at its annual Connect conference. This step is being taken due to growing concerns about secretly filming people without their consent.

Developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, the glasses sold over 7 million units in 2025, giving Meta leadership in the market. However, the popularity of these devices has also caused backlash around the world. A number of restaurants, pubs, and theaters in the UK have restricted the use of these glasses.

A lawsuit has also been filed against the company in California. It alleges that Meta misled users regarding privacy issues, and that employees training artificial intelligence viewed people's private images, including situations where they were changing clothes. Meta denies these allegations.

At the presentation, the camera-free glasses are expected to be shown in two style models named Clubmaster and Burbank. According to analysts, an updated version of the Meta Ray-Ban glasses with a camera, as well as lighter glasses under the name Phoenix, may also be demonstrated at the event.

Linda Sui, founder of the research firm Smart Analytics Global, said that removing the camera does not completely eliminate privacy concerns, as the ability to record audio through microphones remains.

Also, the absence of a camera and display may raise the question among buyers, "if there is only voice communication and a speaker, how is it different from regular Bluetooth headphones?" and could reduce demand.