Meta delays the release of "Phoenix" mixed reality glasses to "refine more details."

Meta Platforms is adjusting its metaverse hardware roadmap, postponing the launch of its key mixed reality glasses codenamed "Phoenix." This move aims to ensure product quality and reflects the company’s pursuit, under CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s guidance, of making its loss-making Reality Labs division more sustainable. According to an internal memo seen by Business Insider, the release of this device—considered a rival to Apple’s Vision Pro—has been delayed from the second half of 2026 to the first half of 2027. The adjustment was communicated in a Thursday memo to employees by Reality Labs Foundation Vice President Maher Saba. Meta declined to comment officially. Another memo issued by metaverse business heads Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns explained that the delay would give the team “more breathing room to get the details right” and deliver a “fully polished and reliable experience.” This strategic shift comes as Reality Labs may face up to a 30% budget cut, highlighting Meta's challenge in balancing its long-term metaverse ambitions with present financial pressures. Despite the delay of its flagship product, Meta is not slowing its efforts in the wearable device sector. The company plans to release a limited edition wearable device in 2026 and has already started developing the next-generation Quest. Through the acquisition of startup Limitless, Meta is further expanding its ambitions in AI hardware. **Zuckerberg Demands “Higher Quality”; Phoenix Delayed for Fine-tuning** The direct cause of the delay is a commitment to a higher level of product completion. According to Saba’s memo, Reality Labs leadership recently received feedback on their 2026 plans during a meeting with Zuckerberg, the key requirement being to “make the business sustainable and invest extra time to deliver a higher-quality experience.” Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns echoed this in another memo, noting that many current tasks are “running on tight schedules and major changes are affecting core user experience,” while the team “will not compromise on delivering a fully polished and reliable experience.” Saba also warned in his memo that the extended timeline “is not an opportunity to add more features or take on additional work,” indicating that company leadership wants the team to focus on optimizing the core experience, not loading up on features. **Rivaling Vision Pro? Details of the Phoenix Device Emerge** According to two Meta employees who have seen the prototype and spoke to Business Insider anonymously, “Phoenix” resembles Apple’s Vision Pro in form, using a goggle-like design. Unlike the all-in-one design of the Vision Pro, “Phoenix” will connect to an external round “puck” device for power. Reportedly, although leadership had some concerns about this design, they ultimately kept it to ensure the glasses would be lighter, more comfortable to wear, and less prone to overheating. **Reality Labs Faces Restructuring and Budget Cuts** Behind the postponed release is Reality Labs’ significant financial and organizational pressure. According to earlier reports by Business Insider, the division is considering a budget cut of up to 30%, which may affect staff on its virtual space platform Horizon Worlds. Last October, Meta reorganized its metaverse division, appointing Gabriel Aul (former Meta Horizon product lead) and Ryan Cairns (former virtual reality hardware lead) to co-lead the related business. This roadmap adjustment and the emphasis on “sustainability” are seen as strategic moves to tackle the division’s continuing losses. **Other Hardware Projects Advance; AI Expansion Continues** Despite the delay of the “Phoenix” project, Meta is still moving forward with other hardware products. Saba’s memo mentioned that the company plans to launch a limited edition wearable codenamed “Malibu 2” in 2026. Meanwhile, development of the next-generation Quest device has already begun. Aul and Cairns stated in their memo that the new Quest will focus on immersive gaming, with greatly upgraded performance over current devices and “substantial improvements in unit economics.” Additionally, Meta announced on Friday the acquisition of startup Limitless, makers of AI pendant devices, showing its intent to expand in AI hardware. Risk Warning and Disclaimer The market involves risk; investments should be made cautiously. This article does not constitute personal investment advice and does not take into account the particular investment goals, financial situation, or needs of any individual user. Users should determine whether any opinions, views, or conclusions in this article are suitable for their specific circumstances. Investing accordingly is at one’s own risk.