There are already rumors circulating about the upcoming VR headset, despite Meta Quest 3 being less than a year old.
The Information, which has often been right in the past, spoke to several people who have worked on Meta’s hardware projects. According to them, Meta plans to release several major AR and VR products in the next three years.
- Meta’s first true AR glasses are scheduled for a 2026 launch (codename: Hypernova).
- Also planned for 2026 is Meta Quest 4 in standard and premium versions (codenamed Pismo Low and Pismo High).
- A premium Quest, codenamed La Jolla, is set to launch in 2027 to rival Apple Vision Pro.
According to a number of other credible reports, a cheaper Meta Quest 3, called the Quest 3S, is also planned for release this fall.
Are Meta’s initial AR glasses too large to achieve success?
The report provides additional information about Hypernova. According to current and former Meta employees, Meta’s initial genuine AR glasses weigh 70 grams and feature a bulky frame that could potentially deter consumers.
Eyewear manufacturer EssillorLuxottica, which launched the Meta Ray Ban Smart Glasses with Meta, did not partner with Meta on this project. The company is said to have “balked” at the design, according to two people who worked on the project.
According to The Information, Meta employees claim that the large size of the design is determined by the laws of physics, making it impossible to make the technology any smaller.
Zuckerberg introduces cost-cutting measures
The website also announces that there will be cost reduction measures implemented in Reality Labs. This department, responsible for the development of virtual reality and augmented reality technology, will need to decrease expenses by 20 percent before 2026.
Meta has invested $55 billion in Reality Labs since 2019, and so far, has had a comparatively low return on investment from VR products.
According to The Information, several executives from Reality Labs, including Caitlin Kalinowski and Steve McClure, were laid off in late June. Kalinowski was in charge of the development of hardware for AR glasses, while McClure held the same position for smart glasses. Now, both teams report to Paul Greco, the vice president of AR hardware development.
The downsizing is a component of a wider restructuring initiative for Reality Labs.
