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Meta Connect 2026 is expected to center on new hardware and AI announcements, including reportedly camera-free smart glasses codenamed Luna. The event runs Sept. 23 and 24, with Meta's keynote scheduled for Sept. 23 at 4 p.m. PT, according to Lifehacker.
A camera-free alternative
Lifehacker, citing PCMag, reports that Luna would replace the cameras found in Meta's current smart glasses with six microphones. The design could still support Meta AI questions and commands to Muse AI, while avoiding cameras that can record people nearby.
The report presents Luna as a possible response to criticism of camera-equipped glasses, rather than simply a lower-cost model. Lifehacker says Meta has also reportedly patched an exploit that allowed hackers to disable the recording indicator; the glasses are now supposed to stop video recording when the LED is blocked.
Privacy remains unresolved
Camera-free hardware would address one specific concern, but it would not remove the broader privacy debate around Meta's existing glasses, which remain available and can be difficult for bystanders to notice. The source also points to Meta's nearly $18 billion settlement with most states over allegations that its platforms harmed and addicted children and teenagers, as well as the company's changes to rules for underage users.
A lighter mixed-reality device
Meta may also preview Phoenix, a rumored mixed-reality device that could be closer to a goggles-style headset than conventional glasses. According to the source's account of expectations, Phoenix might use an external compute puck, run HorizonOS and offer a more portable alternative to Meta Quest. Those details remain reported possibilities rather than confirmed specifications.
AI and event details
AI is expected to occupy much of the presentation, with possible updates to Muse AI, Meta's task-oriented agent. Lifehacker also speculates that Meta could announce a new Llama version, although it says there are no specific rumors supporting that possibility. The official livestream was not yet available when the source was published; Meta offered registration for an alert instead.
Source: Meta May Try to Repair Its Poor Privacy Reputation at 'Connect 2026'
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