Meta postpones Phoenix mixed reality glasses project by another year

VHO - Meta is said to have postponed the launch of Phoenix mixed reality glasses from 2026 to 2027, in order to prioritize product quality and sustainable business strategy in the context of increasingly fierce MR competition.

Meta’s ambitious mixed reality headset project is facing a delay. Instead of launching in the second half of 2026 as originally planned, the device is now reportedly being pushed back to 2027, according to a newly leaked internal report.

Photo credit - Muhammad Asyfaul (Unsplash).

Meta changes plans for “Project Phoenix”

If you were hoping to get your hands on Meta’s next-generation high-end MR glasses, you may want to adjust your expectations. Reports suggest that Meta has delayed the launch of its “Phoenix” project, which is expected to compete directly with high-end AR/MR devices on the market.

According to the source, the launch date has been moved from the second half of 2026 to the first half of 2027. CEO Mark Zuckerberg is said to have asked the team to prioritize “a more sustainable business model and a truly quality product experience,” rather than rushing the device to market.

What is known about Phoenix?

While official details are scarce, leaks suggest Meta is pursuing a bold design that combines the power of an MR headset with the convenience of smart glasses:

• “Puck” type discrete computing module

Instead of integrating all the hardware into the glasses, Phoenix is ​​said to connect to a “ball” or “puck” shaped computing device, which would reduce weight and increase usage time.

• High quality images

Meta aims to achieve the same realism as high-end MR devices while maintaining the look of regular eyeglasses.

• New generation of penetration technology

The advanced sensor system overlays digital content onto the real environment, but in a more compact design than Vision Pro.

According to internal notes, the delay gives the team more time to “rest, optimize, and perfect” the product.

Meta Ray-Bans. | Image source: Meta.

Why is procrastination significant?

The mixed reality device market is in flux. The Apple Vision Pro is a testament to high-end technology that is hampered by its high price, large weight, and sometimes isolating user experience.

On the other hand, Meta's Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses are highly rated for everyday wearability, but are still too limited to be called "true" MR.

The Phoenix is ​​expected to be a “boundary-breaking” device: as light as Ray-Ban glasses but nearly as powerful as Vision Pro.

The delay also comes at a time when Meta is reportedly cutting its metaverse budget by nearly 30%. A failed product at this point would have a significant negative impact, forcing Meta to be more cautious than ever.

Is it worth waiting until 2027?

Many experts believe that Meta is on the right track. The market has seen many AR/MR products launched hastily and quickly failed. A quality device that is light, beautiful, and powerful enough to deliver a top-notch experience could give Meta an advantage before the AR space enters a fiercely competitive phase.

The tethered “puck” design is still a point of contention, however. Part of the Ray-Ban Meta’s appeal is its simplicity, lightness, and complete wirelessness. Carrying a separate computing module could detract from the experience—unless the Meta really makes a breakthrough in terms of visuals and fidelity.

While the delay may be disappointing for those waiting, Meta seems to be prioritizing quality and the long-term vision. If it can combine the comfort of traditional glasses with high-end MR processing power, 2027 could be the year of a game-changing device.

Otherwise, it is very possible that when Phoenix appears, the market will have entered a new era.

According to Phone Arena

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/nhip-song-so/meta-hoan-du-an-kinh-thuc-te-hon-hop-phoenix-them-mot-nam-186839.html