Meta Delays Phoenix Mixed-Reality Glasses to 2027
Meta shifted the release of its Phoenix mixed-reality glasses from the second half of 2026 to the first half of 2027. An internal memo from VP Maher Saba, viewed by Business Insider, cites feedback from CEO Mark Zuckerberg on making Reality Labs sustainable and delivering higher-quality experiences.
Metaverse leaders Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns wrote in another memo that the extra time gives “breathing room to get the details right” amid tight schedules and core UX changes. They stressed no compromises on a polished, reliable product, and no chance to pile on more features.
Device Details
Two Meta employees described Phoenix to Business Insider as goggle-like glasses tethered to a puck for power, keeping them light at around 100 grams (3.5 ounces) and cool. Leaders debated the puck but stuck with it for comfort. The design echoes Apple’s Vision Pro but has lower-resolution displays and less computing power, per a July Information report echoed by The Hindu, Geo News, and others. Previously code-named Puffin, the glasses blend augmented and virtual reality for real-digital interactions.
Other Reality Labs Plans
- Limited-edition wearable “Malibu 2” in 2026.
- Next-gen Quest headset focused on immersive gaming, with major capability jumps and lower costs.
Meta reorganized its metaverse team in October, with Aul (ex-Horizon) and Cairns (ex-VR hardware) now co-leading. The company eyes up to 30% budget cuts in Reality Labs, per Bloomberg reports cited across outlets, and just bought Limitless, an AI pendant startup.
Recent Coverage
- Business Insider (Dec 5): Memos, device specs, broader plans.
- The Hindu (Dec 5): Delay for polish, specs vs. Vision Pro.
- Geo News (Dec 6): Competition context, metaverse commitment.
- The News International (Dec 6): Refinement focus, reorg details.
- Republic World (Dec 6): Development time need.
- Devdiscourse (Dec 6): Strategic shifts, budget context.
