Meta, formerly known as Facebook, has recently decided to halt the development of its high-end mixed reality headset, codenamed La Jolla, despite initial plans to release it in 2027. This decision comes as a surprise considering the company’s efforts to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro headset. The reason behind this strategic shift is primarily attributed to the costly MicroOLED displays that would have been used in the La Jolla headset. This move indicates a possible shift in Meta’s approach towards premium virtual reality offerings.
One of the main challenges faced by Meta was to keep the cost of the La Jolla headset under $1,000, which became increasingly difficult due to the high production costs of MicroOLED displays. Additionally, the underwhelming performance of the $3,500 Vision Pro headset in terms of customer and developer adoption raised doubts about the market demand for a high-end competitor. The lukewarm reception of the Quest Pro, priced at $1,499, further added to the skepticism surrounding premium VR offerings.
While Meta’s CTO, Andrew Bosworth, downplayed the cancellation of the La Jolla headset as a routine decision in product development, the company still remains committed to advancing its mixed reality technology. Bosworth mentioned that Meta has various prototypes in development at all times, with some moving forward to production while others are discarded. Despite this setback, Meta has upcoming plans for more affordable headsets like the rumored Quest Ventura and new AR glasses to be showcased at the upcoming Meta Connect event.
Looking ahead, Meta is rumored to be working on the development of the Quest 4, which is expected to have both standard and premium versions by 2026. The company’s focus on expanding its range of headsets and mixed reality technology indicates a strategic pivot towards more accessible and consumer-friendly offerings. This shift aligns with the market trends towards affordable and user-friendly VR and AR devices, potentially opening up new opportunities for Meta in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Meta’s decision to cancel the development of the high-end mixed reality headset signifies a strategic reassessment of its premium VR offerings. The challenges faced in keeping costs down and the lukewarm response to existing products have prompted the company to refocus its efforts on more consumer-friendly and cost-effective solutions. The future direction of Meta in the VR and AR space remains promising, with new products and technologies on the horizon to cater to evolving consumer preferences and market demands.