In a significant strategic shift, Meta Platforms Inc. has decided to postpone the commercial launch of its highly anticipated mixed-reality glasses, internally known as 'Phoenix'. Originally scheduled for the first half of 2026, the headset is now expected to hit the market in the first half of 2027.
Internal Memos Reveal Reasons for the Delay
The decision was communicated to employees through internal memos viewed by Business Insider. Maher Saba, Vice President of Reality Labs Foundation at Meta, confirmed the timeline adjustment. The move follows direct feedback from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, emphasizing the need for business sustainability and a commitment to delivering a superior product experience.
In a separate memo, metaverse leaders Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns explained the rationale. They stated the delay provides the team "a lot more breathing room to get the details right." The company is facing complex challenges, including tight development schedules and major changes to the core user experience (UX). The leadership was clear that they "won't compromise on landing a fully polished and reliable experience" for consumers.
Saba further clarified that extending the timeline is not an invitation to add more features but a focused effort to enhance quality. This suggests Meta is refining the existing vision for 'Phoenix' rather than expanding its scope.
Meta's Broader Hardware Roadmap and Competitive Landscape
While 'Phoenix' is delayed, Meta's hardware pipeline remains active. The company reportedly plans to launch a new 'limited edition' wearable device in 2026, codenamed "Malibu 2." Furthermore, work is ongoing on a next-generation Quest device focused on immersive gaming. This device is touted as a 'large upgrade' over existing models and aims for significantly improved unit economics.
Meta's recent acquisition of AI wearable startup Limitless, known for a pendant that records and summarizes conversations, signals its deepening investment in AI-powered hardware. This space is heating up, with OpenAI also expected to introduce its own AI hardware around 2027, setting the stage for future competition.
What We Know About the 'Phoenix' Glasses
Although Meta has not officially detailed the 'Phoenix' device, previous reports suggest it is designed as a direct competitor to the Apple Vision Pro. The headset is expected to feature a glasses-like form factor, making it potentially lighter and more comfortable to wear, addressing common issues like overheating. Unlike some standalone devices, it may need to remain connected to a power source to function.
This delay underscores the immense technical and design challenges in creating consumer-ready mixed-reality devices. By choosing to postpone, Meta is prioritizing a high-quality launch to better compete in a market where Apple has set a high bar with the Vision Pro. The extra year will be crucial for Meta to polish the user experience and ensure its product can make a substantial impact upon release.
