Meta’s Mixed Reality Glasses Delayed Until 2027
▼ Summary
– Meta’s mixed reality glasses, codenamed Phoenix, have been delayed from late 2026 to early 2027.
– The glasses are a new product distinct from Meta’s existing VR headsets and smart glasses, with a design similar to the Apple Vision Pro.
– The delay was announced by executives after CEO Mark Zuckerberg directed the team to focus on sustainability and higher quality.
– Company leaders stated the extra time will allow them to refine the product’s details.
– This news follows a report that Meta plans to significantly cut its metaverse budget.
Meta’s ambitious project to launch a new generation of mixed reality glasses, known internally as Project Phoenix, has encountered a significant schedule adjustment. The company has reportedly shifted the target launch window from the latter half of 2026 to the first half of 2027. This decision reflects a strategic move to prioritize product quality and long-term business viability over rushing to market.
The upcoming device is positioned as a distinct product line, separate from Meta’s existing virtual reality headsets and Ray-Ban smart glasses collaboration. Industry reports suggest its design will feature a form factor comparable to competitors like the Apple Vision Pro, utilizing an external, puck-shaped battery pack to power the glasses. This approach aims to balance advanced functionality with a wearable, glasses-like aesthetic.
Internal communications from Meta executives, including metaverse leaders Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns, confirm the revised timeline. The delay was communicated following high-level meetings where CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the need for a more sustainable business model and a superior user experience. Company memos indicate leadership views the extra development time as crucial, providing essential “breathing room to get the details right” and ensure the product meets elevated standards.
This postponement aligns with broader financial recalibrations within Meta’s Reality Labs division, which oversees its metaverse and advanced hardware initiatives. Recent analyses indicate the company is planning substantial budget reductions for its metaverse operations, with cuts potentially reaching up to thirty percent. This context suggests a company-wide effort to streamline ambitious projects, focusing resources on core technologies and market-ready innovations to build a more solid foundation for future mixed reality offerings.
(Source: TechCrunch)
