Meta has decided to discontinue its development of a premium mixed reality headset. This decision comes after a recent product review meeting led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The project, which was initially planned for a 2027 release, was intended to rival Apple’s Vision Pro.
The company faced challenges in balancing advanced technology with affordability. The headset was designed to feature high-resolution micro OLED displays, similar to those used in the Apple Vision Pro. However, the high cost of these components made it difficult for Meta to achieve its target price point of under $1,000.
Market Dynamics
Despite this setback, Meta continues to move forward with other projects. The company is currently working on the Quest 4, a follow-up to the popular Quest 3 headset. Expected to launch in 2026, the Quest 4 is likely to maintain a price point around $500, similar to its predecessor.
Meta is also shifting its focus towards software development. Earlier this year, the company introduced Horizon OS, a platform designed for third-party hardware manufacturers. This move suggests a strategic pivot towards creating a broader ecosystem for virtual and augmented reality experiences.
The decision to cancel the high-end headset project comes at a time when the mixed reality market is facing challenges. Apple’s Vision Pro, which was expected to boost interest in the headset market, has struggled to gain widespread consumer appeal. Sales have been slower than anticipated, with Apple unlikely to reach even 500,000 units sold in 2024.
This market trend has led to changes in Apple’s strategy as well. The company has reportedly halted work on a second-generation high-cost Vision Pro and is now focusing on developing a more affordable model with fewer features.
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