Meta Connect 2026 Begins With Smart-Glass Privacy Concerns in Focus

Meta says the keynote will address how “Meta is building a future for everyone,” a theme Zuckerberg recently wrote about at length in an essay on AI, smart glasses and more, according to The Verge. That focus means further news from Zuckerberg and his team is expected on those topics. The company may also provide more details about its recently launched Muse AI agent and new glasses hardware.

Smart glasses are central to the event, and the company is dealing with an outpouring of privacy and harassment concerns tied to the product line’s built-in camera. The Verge reports that the glasses have been derided as “pervert glasses” because some users have covertly recorded other people. Meta has already tried to address that reputation with recent privacy fixes and a new marketing campaign. It could introduce additional updates on the Connect stage.

The event has traditionally been a venue for updates on Meta’s VR hardware and software. While the company has scaled back its VR ambitions, a recent leak seemingly revealed some kind of unannounced mixed reality glasses, which could indicate that Meta will show off new immersive headwear technology during the event, according to The Verge. Given the company’s major focus on AI and wearables like smart glasses, updates from Zuckerberg and his team on those categories appear likely.

The scrutiny over the glasses could shape one of the biggest announcements of the show. The Verge reports that the company faces significant scrutiny over how some users have used the glasses to record others without their knowledge. One possible announcement is a rumored camera-free pair of glasses, which would directly address a source of the privacy complaints.

Meta Connect’s keynote is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT on Wednesday, September 23rd. The Verge says readers can follow its live updates throughout the event.