Meta Delays Highly Anticipated ‘Phoenix’ Mixed Reality Glasses to 2027
Meta is postponing the release of its next-generation mixed reality glasses, codenamed “Phoenix,” until the first part of 2027, according to an internal memo. The delay, first reported by Business Insider, is intended to allow the company additional time to refine the device and ensure a “fully polished and reliable experience” for consumers. Originally, the glasses were slated to launch in the latter half of 2026.
The decision reflects a commitment to quality, as expressed in the memo by Meta’s Reality Labs VPs, Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns. “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. Meta has not yet issued a public statement regarding the reported delay.
Details surrounding the “Phoenix” glasses, previously known as “Puffin,” suggest a design leaning closer to the Apple Vision Pro than Meta’s existing Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. Reporting from The Information in August indicated a goggle-like structure and a target weight of approximately 110 grams – significantly lighter than the Apple Vision Pro’s 650 grams. The device is expected to utilize a “compute puck,” a small external processing unit, to further reduce weight and enhance performance.
These glasses are envisioned as an alternative to Meta’s more expensive and heavier virtual reality (VR) headsets. They will reportedly run on the Horizon OS, the same operating system powering Meta’s Quest headsets.
The shift in timeline coincides with a broader reevaluation of Meta’s metaverse investments. Recent reports from Bloomberg suggest executives are considering cuts of up to 30% in metaverse spending, with a strategic pivot toward “AI glasses and wearables.” This adjustment follows the discontinuation of the Quest Pro headset in January 2025, which debuted at a price point of around $1,500. The 2023 Quest 3 remains Meta’s current flagship mixed reality offering.
Should the “Phoenix” glasses ultimately reach the market, they will represent a substantial expansion of Meta’s portfolio in the rapidly evolving mixed reality landscape.
