Meta has announced a delay in the release of its new mixed reality glasses, code-named “Phoenix.” Originally slated for a launch in the latter half of 2026, the timeline has now been pushed back to the first half of 2027. This decision was communicated in a memo from Maher Saba, VP of Reality Labs Foundation, to employees, which was obtained by Business Insider.
Leaders in the metaverse division, Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns, expressed that this delay will provide the team with “more breathing room” to ensure that every detail of the product is meticulously executed. They emphasized the importance of not compromising on delivering a fully polished and reliable experience, particularly given the challenges associated with “tight bring-up schedules” and significant changes to the core user experience.
The “Phoenix” mixed reality glasses, which have been described in prior reports by The Information, are said to have a goggle-like design and will operate with an external puck, a choice made to enhance comfort by keeping the glasses lightweight and reducing heat buildup. However, this design decision has raised some skepticism among company leaders.
In the memo, Saba mentioned feedback from a recent meeting with CEO Mark Zuckerberg, where the focus was on creating a sustainable business and extending the timeline to improve quality. He assured employees that this extension would not lead to new features or additional workload but would strictly be to enhance the existing plans.
Additionally, Meta is set to unveil a “limited edition” wearable device, code-named “Malibu 2,” scheduled for 2026. The company is also initiating development on its next-generation Quest device, which aims to offer a substantial upgrade in gaming capabilities and improve unit economics.
In a broader context, Meta has been reorganizing its metaverse unit and recently appointed Aul and Cairns as co-leaders, following the company’s decision to consider budget cuts of up to 30% within the Reality Labs division. This budgetary review may affect employees working on its virtual spaces platform, Horizon Worlds.
On another front, Meta has recently expanded its commitment to AI hardware by acquiring Limitless, a startup that specializes in AI-powered pendant devices. The acquisition was publicly announced on Friday. This move underscores the company’s ongoing strategy to diversify its technology offerings amidst the evolving landscape of digital experiences.
