Ray-Ban is rolling out the latest addition to its multi-generation line of smart glasses with the introduction of Ray-Ban Meta Audio—the brand’s first audio-only artificial intelligence (AI) glasses.
This newest product offering was announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Day 1 of Meta Connect 2026, a two-day livestream event showcasing recent breakthroughs in AI technologies, glasses, and virtual reality (VR).
Big news! But first, let’s get some background on Ray-Ban Meta glasses.
Ray-Ben Meta glasses first entered the market space in 2021 under the original name of Ray-Ban Stories (which is now discontinued).
Fast forward to 2023, a full Meta AI integration was added to its first generation (Gen 1) of glasses known as Ray-Ban Meta that was later followed by Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2) in 2025.
And as of this year?
As part of the Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 2), Meta introduced its first prescription-optimized AI glasses for all-day comfort in March. See here for the included features.
And more recently: Meta partnered with EssilorLuxottica in June to launch Meta Glasses, reportedly built on similar technology and shared features as other AI glasses on the market.
Lots of updates … now to this newest addition.
Ray-Ban Meta Audio is being introduced as part of the brand’s “broadest portfolio yet.”
What to know: The glasses combine open-ear audio, Meta AI, and all-day wearability. And weighing in at 43 grams, they're described as “the lightest Ray-Ban Meta frame yet.”
See here for its available frame styles.
So what capabilities come with these frames?
Users can listen to music and podcasts, take calls, and access Meta AI—all without needing to reach for a separate device.
As for its battery life: The frames are designed for up to 12 hours of extended battery.
Definitely sounds like a departure from the current Ray-Ban Meta frames …
Indeed. And speaking of those, Meta also announced a new generation (Gen 3) to that lineup of AI glasses—dubbed (as you would expect) Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3).
How it compares to prior generations: Meta describes these frames as featuring a “slimmer, refined design” with “enhanced comfort and next-generation technology” integrated into three styles:
- Wayfarer
- Aviator*
- Zena
*A new frame style to the Ray-Ban Meta collection. See here for more on what this limited-edition style comes with (hint: it includes Transitions lenses).
What else is new with the Gen 3?
The frames are also equipped with a 3K Ultra HD camera (enabling hands-free capturing), as well as:
- Six-array microphone (for clearer audio and voice interactions)
- Assignable action button (for quicker Meta AI access)
- Up to 9 hours of battery life
- Flexible temple tips (for a more personalized fit)
And the capabilities that come with this?
Honing in on that Meta AI access, the company noted that users can “ask questions about what they see, discover local recommendations, translate conversations in real time, catch up on messages, set reminders, and capture moments from their point of view.”
Notably: This is all done without needing to reach for their phone.
Nice! Now to the big question: When will these be available?
Ray-Ban Meta (Gen 3) is available now! With pricing starting at $449, customers have a few options for purchasing the frames:
- Ray-Ban’s stores
- Ray-Ban.com
- Select EssilorLuxottica retail banners
- Essilor’s wholesale network across participating markets
- Meta.com
How about Ray-Ban Meta Audio?
Pricing for those frames will start at $349—but they won’t be available for purchase until Oct. 13. Where to purchase: Ray-Ban stores; Ray-Ban.com; select EssilorLuxottica ecommerce, retail banners, Essilor’s wholesale network across participating markets; and Meta.com.
And as a bonus: Check out the global market expansion plans for these plans.