Meta’s latest move in the smart glasses space is a significant one. The company is reportedly working on a new line of smart glasses, codenamed ‘Luna’, that will ditch the outward-facing cameras that have been a point of contention for many users. This shift comes after Meta faced public backlash and increased scrutiny over its existing smart glasses lineup, which has raised concerns about user privacy.
According to reports from The Information, Luna is set to be unveiled at Meta’s Connect developer conference on September 23-24, alongside the company’s slim and light mixed reality glasses, Project Phoenix. Instead of cameras, Luna will feature six onboard microphones that enable users to interact with Meta AI in addition to its consumer AI agent, Muse. A quick action button on the side will also allow users to activate Meta AI at a moment’s notice.
The inclusion of speakers built into the glasses’ temple arms is another notable feature of Luna. These speakers are said to be notably slimmer than those found in other smart glasses models. This design change may be an attempt by Meta to address user concerns about the bulkiness and aesthetic appeal of its existing smart glasses lineup.
Meta’s decision to create camera-less smart glasses could be seen as a response to growing public pressure over smart glasses privacy. The company has faced criticism for its existing lineup, which includes models with outward-facing cameras that have been used to capture footage without users’ knowledge or consent. In recent months, Meta has made efforts to address these concerns, including the mandatory v26 update that disabled camera functionality if the LED indicator is removed.
However, not all experts believe that Meta’s decision to create camera-less smart glasses is a genuine attempt to prioritize user privacy. Some argue that this move will ultimately benefit Meta’s AI training and data collection efforts, which are essential for its upcoming AR platform. This perspective suggests that Meta’s motivations may be more about reducing costs and expanding its market reach rather than genuinely addressing user concerns.
Meta’s shift towards camera-less smart glasses also raises questions about the future of augmented reality (AR) hardware. With many experts predicting that AR will become a key component of the technology landscape, it’s likely that companies like Meta will need to adapt their designs to meet emerging user needs and preferences. Whether this means embracing camera-free or camera-enabled designs remains to be seen.
In any case, Meta’s decision to create Luna is a significant development in the smart glasses space. As we approach the launch of its new AR platform, it will be interesting to see how users respond to this new design direction. Will they view Luna as a more appealing and user-friendly option, or will concerns about data collection and AI training persist? One thing is certain: Meta’s move has set the stage for an exciting period of innovation and debate in the world of smart glasses and AR hardware.
Source: Road to VR — 2026-09-16