Meta Delays Release of New Mixed Reality Glasses Code-Named ‘Phoenix’

Meta is delaying the discharge of recent combined actuality glasses code-named “Phoenix.”

The corporate deliberate to launch the brand new gadget within the second half of 2026, however it’s pushing again its timeline to the primary half of 2027, Maher Saba, VP of Actuality Labs Basis, wrote in a Thursday memo to staff, which was seen by Enterprise Insider.

In a separate memo, additionally seen by Enterprise Insider, metaverse leaders Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns mentioned shifting the discharge date again is “going to offer us much more respiratory room to get the small print proper.”

They added, “There’s rather a lot coming in scorching with tight bring-up schedules and massive adjustments to our core UX, and we can’t compromise on touchdown a completely polished and dependable expertise.”

Meta declined to remark.

The “Phoenix” combined actuality glasses, which have been beforehand reported on by The Information, have a goggle-like kind issue and are linked to a puck to assist energy them, in keeping with two staff who’ve seen the gadget and spoke anonymously as they don’t seem to be licensed to speak to the press.

The 2 staff mentioned the mannequin seems just like Apple’s combined actuality glasses Imaginative and prescient Professional. There was some skepticism amongst leaders in regards to the puck, however they selected to maintain it to assist maintain the glasses lighter and extra snug, and to stop it from overheating, they mentioned.

Saba mentioned within the memo that at a current assembly with CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Actuality Labs (RL) leaders obtained suggestions on their plans for 2026, which he mentioned “centered on making the enterprise sustainable and taking additional time to ship our experiences with larger high quality.”

“Based mostly on that, many groups in RL might want to regulate their plans and timelines,” he added. “Extending timelines will not be a possibility for us so as to add extra options or tackle further work.”

Meta additionally plans to launch a brand new “restricted version” wearable gadget code-named “Malibu 2” in 2026, in keeping with Saba.

Meta is beginning work on its next-generation Quest gadget, a product that Aul and Cairns wrote will probably be centered on immersive gaming, and characterize a “massive improve” in capabilities from its current units, and “considerably enhance unit economics.”

In October, Meta reorganized its metaverse unit and tapped Aul, who led merchandise for Meta Horizon, and Cairns, who was beforehand answerable for digital actuality {hardware}, to co-lead its efforts, Enterprise Insider beforehand reported. The corporate is now considering budget cuts of up to 30% inside its Actuality Labs division, which may influence staff engaged on its digital areas platform, Horizon Worlds.

The corporate has additionally expanded its AI {hardware} push by buying Limitless, a startup that makes AI-powered pendant units, the corporate introduced Friday.

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