Meta prepares camera‑free “Luna” smart glasses amid privacy backlash

Meta is reportedly gearing up to unveil a new version of its smart‑glasses lineup that eliminates the built‑in camera, a move seen as a direct response to growing privacy concerns surrounding its earlier products.

The upcoming device, internally codenamed Luna, was detailed in a recent report from The Information. Unlike the company’s flagship Ray‑Ban Stories, which combine audio playback with video recording capabilities, Luna would forgo any recording hardware altogether, positioning itself as a less invasive wearable.

The shift comes after Meta faced a wave of criticism over the potential for its glasses to capture video surreptitiously. Privacy advocates and some users have long warned that camera‑equipped eyewear could be misused for covert filming, prompting calls for stricter safeguards. The controversy has placed Meta under heightened public scrutiny, especially as it continues to push augmented‑reality experiences.

Industry analysts note that removing the camera could broaden the appeal of Meta’s wearables, attracting consumers who are interested in hands‑free audio and basic smart functions but are wary of constant surveillance. The move also aligns with broader trends in the tech sector, where companies are re‑evaluating data‑collection practices in response to regulatory pressure and consumer sentiment.

Meta has not confirmed a launch timeline, but the report suggests that Luna is close to finalization and could be introduced later in the year. The company’s broader strategy appears to focus on incremental hardware improvements while navigating the delicate balance between innovation and privacy.

Experts say the success of Luna will hinge on how Meta markets the device’s privacy‑first stance and whether it can deliver compelling features without a camera. If the glasses can offer seamless integration with Meta’s software ecosystem—such as voice assistants, navigation prompts, and audio streaming—while maintaining a low‑profile design, they may find a niche among early adopters and privacy‑conscious users.

As the debate over wearable technology’s societal impact continues, Meta’s next steps will likely be watched closely by regulators, competitors, and advocacy groups alike. The launch of a camera‑free model could set a new benchmark for the industry, prompting other manufacturers to reconsider how they balance functionality with user trust.