- Meta has cancelled plans to develop a high-end mixed reality headset, code-named La Jolla, which was intended to compete with the Apple Vision Pro.
- The decision was reportedly driven by the high cost of MicroOLED displays and the lackluster performance of the Apple Vision Pro, raising questions about the market demand for a premium VR headset.
- Meta remains committed to AR/VR development, with plans to launch a more affordable Quest headset and new AR glasses in the near future.
Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, has reportedly abandoned plans to develop a high-end mixed reality headset, code-named La Jolla, which was slated to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro. This decision, despite recent news of a 2027 launch, suggests a potential shift in Meta’s strategy for the VR/AR market.
The Information reports that Meta’s decision was driven in part by the high cost of MicroOLED displays, which were intended to be used in the La Jolla headset. The goal of keeping the headset under $1,000 proved increasingly difficult, particularly considering the lukewarm reception and high price tag of the Apple Vision Pro. Meta’s previous foray into the premium VR market with the Quest Pro, also priced at a hefty $1,499, met with lukewarm reviews and quickly faded from the spotlight.
While Meta downplays the significance of the La Jolla cancellation, stating that such decisions are common, the move raises questions about the company’s overall approach to the VR/AR market. Despite this setback, Meta remains committed to the future of AR/VR, with plans to launch a more affordable Quest headset, codenamed Ventura, later this year, and to unveil new AR glasses at its Meta Connect event next month. The Quest 4, with standard and premium versions, is also rumored to arrive in 2026.
This decision, coupled with Meta’s continued development of other AR/VR products, suggests that the company is adapting its strategy, focusing on a broader range of price points and experiences. Whether this new approach will prove more successful remains to be seen, but it highlights the evolving landscape of the VR/AR market and the ongoing competition for dominance in this emerging space.
What you should know
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is a technology giant that operates a vast network of social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger, connecting billions of users worldwide. Beyond its social media dominance, Meta is also a leader in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, striving to build the “metaverse” – a shared virtual world where users can interact and experience immersive digital environments.
Meta’s core business is centered on connecting people and providing a platform for communication, information sharing, and entertainment. However, the company is increasingly investing in emerging technologies like AR and VR, seeking to redefine how people interact with each other and the digital world.
While Meta has faced criticism and controversies over its data practices, its influence on the digital landscape is undeniable. Its ambitious vision for the metaverse and its commitment to technological innovation continue to shape the future of the tech industry.
