Metas Phoenix mixed reality glasses delayed to 2027
Meta has announced a delay in the release of its highly anticipated mixed reality headset, codenamed “Phoenix,” shifting its focus instead towards developing next-generation devices and wearables over the next year. This decision, communicated through an internal memo by Reality Labs Vice President Maher Saba, stems from directives issued by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Saba emphasized that the postponement is not due to the addition of new features but rather a strategic move to refine the product and enhance the overall user experience. This approach aligns with Meta’s commitment to delivering “higher quality experiences” while ensuring the sustainability of its business in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
In a follow-up memo, other Meta VR leaders, including executives Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns, expressed that this extended timeline provides their teams with the necessary “breathing room” to perfect the headset. They highlighted the challenges of tight schedules and significant changes to the user experience, asserting that they will not compromise on delivering a polished and reliable product. The Phoenix headset is expected to feature a design reminiscent of Apple’s Vision Pro glasses, characterized by a goggle-like shape and an external computing unit that contributes to its lightweight nature. Furthermore, it is anticipated to operate on the same Horizon OS that powers Meta’s existing Quest headsets, ensuring a seamless integration within Meta’s ecosystem.
In lieu of the Phoenix headset, Meta is now targeting a 2026 release for a “limited edition” wearable device dubbed “Malibu 2,” alongside a next-generation Meta Quest device. This strategic pivot aims to enhance the capabilities of their products, particularly focusing on immersive gaming experiences, a sector that continues to gain traction among consumers. By prioritizing quality and user experience, Meta is positioning itself to not only compete effectively in the mixed reality space but also to set new standards for what users can expect from future wearable technology. As the tech giant navigates this transition, the anticipation surrounding its upcoming devices remains high, with stakeholders eager to see how these innovations will reshape the landscape of virtual and augmented reality.
Meta
is delaying the release of its anticipated mixed reality headset, codename “Phoenix,” and will focus on next-gen devices and wearables over the next year.
In an
internal memo
, Reality Labs Vice President Maher Saba stated that the commands originated from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who instructed Reality Labs teams to focus on “higher quality experiences” and other efforts to make the business more sustainable. Saba clarified to employees that the extended timeline was not due to the device receiving additional features, but rather to encourage teams to refine the details.
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Other Meta VR leaders, including Reality Labs executives Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns, added that the decision would give them more “breathing room” to complete the product, as reported by Business Insider. “There’s a lot coming in hot with tight bring-up schedules and big changes to our core UX, and we won’t compromise on landing a fully polished and reliable experience,” they wrote in another memo.
The glasses reportedly look similar to Apple’s Vision Pro glasses, with a goggle-like shape and an external computing puck that makes the unit extremely lightweight. Insiders say it will run on the same Horizon OS as Meta’s Quest headsets.
Meta will instead aim for a 2026 release of a “limited edition” wearable device, called “Malibu 2,” as well as a next-generation Meta Quest device. Aul and Cairns said the revamp will include a major capabilities upgrade focused on immersive gaming.
