‘Phoenix’ Mixed Reality Glasses Release Delayed by Meta

At a glance

• Delay: The release of Meta’s mixed reality headset, “Phoenix,” has been postponed.
• Focus Shift: Meta is prioritizing next-gen devices and wearables for the upcoming year.
• Leadership Insight: CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s directive emphasizes creating “higher quality experiences”.
• Upcoming Releases: A “limited edition” wearable, “Malibu 2,” is set for a 2026 launch.

Meta is delaying the release of its anticipated mixed reality headset, codename “Phoenix,” and will focus on next-gen devices and wearables over the next year.

In an internal memo, Reality Labs Vice President Maher Saba stated that the commands originated from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who instructed Reality Labs teams to focus on “higher quality experiences” and other efforts to make the business more sustainable. Saba clarified to employees that the extended timeline was not due to the device receiving additional features, but rather to encourage teams to refine the details.

Other Meta VR leaders, including Reality Labs executives Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns, added that the decision would give them more “breathing room” to complete the product, as reported by Business Insider. “There’s a lot coming in hot with tight bring-up schedules and big changes to our core UX, and we won’t compromise on landing a fully polished and reliable experience,” they wrote in another memo.

The glasses reportedly look similar to Apple’s Vision Pro glasses, with a goggle-like shape and an external computing puck that makes the unit extremely lightweight. Insiders say it will run on the same Horizon OS as Meta’s Quest headsets.

Meta will instead aim for a 2026 release of a “limited edition” wearable device, called “Malibu 2,” as well as a next-generation Meta Quest device. Aul and Cairns said the revamp will include a major capabilities upgrade focused on immersive gaming.