Meta has officially delayed the launch of its highly anticipated mixed reality glasses, code-named Phoenix, pushing the release from late 2026 to the first half of 2027. The shift follows an internal leadership review aimed at ensuring the product is “fully polished” before reaching consumers.
According to internal memos, Maher Saba — VP of Reality Labs Foundation — informed employees that the delay reflects guidance from senior leadership, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who emphasized the need to prioritize quality over speed. Saba stated that teams require “breathing room” and clarified that the extended timeline must not be used to add new features or expand workloads.
Metaverse executives Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns echoed the sentiment in a separate memo, noting that the updated schedule is essential to “get the details right,” especially amid meaningful changes to Phoenix’s core user experience.
What We Know About Phoenix So Far
Employees who have tested early prototypes described Phoenix as a goggle-style device, resembling Apple’s Vision Pro. The glasses are designed to connect to a compact power puck, a controversial decision internally. Despite debates, leadership chose to retain the puck to reduce heat, lighten the headset, and improve long-term comfort.
Previous leaks reveal that Phoenix aims to compete directly in the premium mixed reality market, offering advanced immersive features and refined hardware design.
Shifts in Meta’s Broader Strategy
The Phoenix delay comes as Meta reassesses key priorities within its VR, AR, and metaverse projects. Leaders met with Zuckerberg to review long-term strategies, focusing on sustainability, quality experiences, and improved production processes. The company may enforce budget cuts of up to 30% within Reality Labs, potentially affecting teams behind virtual worlds like Horizon Worlds.
Despite the delay, Meta is still moving forward with other hardware plans:
- Malibu 2, a limited-edition wearable device, will launch next year.
- Early development has begun on Meta’s next-generation Quest headset, promising major upgrades in performance and immersive gaming.
- Meta has also expanded its AI ambitions by acquiring Limitless, a startup known for AI-powered wearable pendants, signaling deeper integration of AI into personal devices.
With these strategic shifts, Meta appears focused on refining user experience, improving hardware economics, and positioning itself strongly in the competitive mixed reality race.
