Meta's Next-Gen VR Headsets: What to Expect
Despite a challenging year for the VR industry, Meta's Chief Technology Officer, Andrew "Boz" Bosworth, has confirmed that next-generation headsets are in development. During a recent AMA on Instagram, Bosworth remarked, "We've openly shared that we're working on multiple next-generation headsets." This revelation has sparked rumors about the upcoming Meta Quest 4, which might mark the end of the competitive pricing Meta has maintained so far.
Rumored Delays and Meta Connect
Some leaks indicate that the next Quest headset might not launch until 2027. However, Bosworth hinted otherwise, saying, "Stay tuned for Connect and we'll have more to share then." This suggests potential announcements at the annual Meta Connect conference, traditionally held in September. Although it's been three years since the release of the Quest 3, it would be unexpected to see a Quest 4 debut in the same year as Valve's highly anticipated Steam Frame.
Potential Upgrades and Pricing
Speculation suggests that the Quest 4 will feature a "major upgrade" over its predecessor, likely accompanied by a significant price hike. This follows Meta's recent cost-cutting initiatives, including the closure of its three largest game studios and layoffs in its Reality Labs division in 2026.
Leaked internal documents, as reported by Business Insider, mention two codenamed projects: Phoenix and Puffin. These could represent hybrid devices that merge features of Meta's smart glasses with its traditional VR headsets. If accurate, the Quest 4 might resemble an Apple Vision Pro-style device, suggesting a premium price point.
Market Trends and Competitor Influence
The VR market is increasingly shifting toward high-end devices. Competitors such as Samsung and Pimax have already introduced premium, Vision Pro-inspired headsets, while Pico is also working on its own version. Meanwhile, Valve's Steam Frame is rumored to be priced between $500-$1,000.
Meta has already raised prices for its current Quest 3 lineup, with the flagship 512GB model now retailing at $599. If the Quest 4 offers substantial improvements, its price could approach the rumored $1,000 mark.
A Possible Departure from the "Quest" Branding
Rumors suggest that Meta might move away from the "Quest" branding entirely. A leaked tweet hinted at a new headset featuring higher resolution, eye and face tracking, a lighter design, and a separate processing puck. This device is rumored to have a price tag of $800 and may not include controllers in its base configuration.
Meta's VR Strategy and the Road Ahead
In an interview with UploadVR, Bosworth stated, "I think it's officially leaked that we have two devices on the roadmap that we're really excited about, set to release over a period of time." This comment, made in February, highlights Meta's continued commitment to advancing its VR hardware strategy despite ongoing challenges.
Nevertheless, questions loom over Meta's future in VR. Budget cuts within the Reality Labs division and a potential pivot away from its heavily promoted Metaverse strategy have raised concerns. All eyes will be on Meta Connect this September to see how Meta plans to adapt in the evolving VR landscape.