Meta Pushes Back Mixed Reality Glasses Release to 2027

Meta Delays Mixed Reality Glasses Release to 2027 Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has reportedly pushed back the release date of its mixed reality glasses, codenamed Phoenix, from the second half of 2026 to the first half of 2027. According to Business Insider, the delay was announced after meetings with CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who emphasized the need to make the business sustainable and deliver higher quality experiences. The delay comes as Meta's metaverse leaders, Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns, reportedly wrote in internal memos that the extra time will give them "a lot more breathing room to get the details right." This decision follows Bloomberg's report earlier this week that Meta plans to slash its metaverse budget by up to 30%. The mixed reality glasses, similar in format to the Apple Vision Pro, are expected to feature a puck-like power source. Meta already sells VR headsets and Ray-Ban smart glasses, but these glasses represent a new direction for the company. The delay is likely to have an immediate impact on Meta's metaverse plans, which have been a key focus for the company in recent years. The reduced budget and delayed release date may indicate a shift in priorities or a reevaluation of the metaverse's potential. Meta's foray into mixed reality is part of a broader trend in the tech industry, with companies like Apple and Google investing heavily in augmented and virtual reality technologies. The delay may give Meta a chance to catch up with its competitors, but it also raises questions about the company's commitment to the metaverse. As the release date for the mixed reality glasses is now set for 2027, Meta will have a year to refine its product and prepare for market launch. The company will likely continue to invest in its metaverse plans, but with a greater emphasis on sustainability and quality.