Meta has scrapped plans for a high-end mixed-reality headset following reports from industry insiders at The Info that cited concerns from two Meta employees. Actuality Lab staff received an instruction from corporate to suspend work on the product this week following a review by executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
While the machine’s ultimate purpose remains unclear, it is evident that developing a rival to the Apple Vision Pro was the project’s primary objective.
Despite reports suggesting Meta aimed to keep the headset’s price under $1,000, the company ultimately found it impossible due to the high cost of the micro-OLED displays it wanted to utilize, the same technology featured in the Vision Pro. The two staff members also stated that the initiative began in November 2023, just a few months after the Intuitive Professional was launched?
As Meta has officially discontinued Quest Professional and sales of Insightful Professional seem sluggish, it’s plausible that the company decided the market isn’t ready for another pricey headset at this time. Although the corporation is cancelling this specific mixed-reality project, reports suggest that production remains on track to release Quest 4 in 2026.
As technology continues to evolve and prices decline, it’s only a matter of time before high-quality virtual reality headsets become accessible to everyone. To truly enhance spatial computing and productivity, headsets need to be significantly lighter and more comfortable, making them feasible for extended daily use while working.
Meta may need to put aside temporary plans for a business product, but it’s crucial that its teams remain focused on analyzing the necessary developments to bring those ideas to life.
