Meta Moves Ahead With Quest 4 VR Headset Despite Layoffs, Sets Release Date: Report

Despite recent layoffs in its Reality Labs division, Meta Platforms Inc META is moving forward with ambitious plans for its virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) hardware.

According to The Information, the company aims to release the Quest 4 in 2026, followed by a higher-end headset in 2027.

Quest 4 And High-End Headset Timelines

For the first time, specific timelines for these upcoming devices have surfaced. The Quest 4 is expected to come in two versions, internally referred to as “Pismo Low” and “Pismo High.” This bifurcation suggests Meta’s strategy to cater to both budget-conscious consumers and those seeking a premium VR experience.

The 2027 release, codenamed “La Jolla,” aims to position itself as a direct competitor to the Apple Vision Pro.

AR Glasses And Design Challenges

Meta’s ambitions aren’t limited to VR headsets. The company is also planning to launch a pair of AR glasses featuring a genuine display.

However, The Information’s report indicates that these glasses might face significant design hurdles. Unlike the lightweight Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, the new AR glasses are expected to weigh around 70 grams and have a “bulky design” due to the integrated display.

This design challenge is a familiar one in the AR industry. Achieving a balance between wearability, battery life, and display performance remains a tough nut to crack. The report suggests that due to their bulkiness, these glasses may not carry the Ray-Ban branding, as Ray-Ban’s parent company, EssilorLuxottica, reportedly disapproves of the design.

Many companies have faced similar challenges in miniaturizing displays to create comfortable, stylish, and functional AR glasses. This difficulty has often been a significant barrier to widespread consumer adoption.

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