Meta Platforms has reportedly postponed the launch of its highly anticipated, lightweight mixed-reality glasses, codenamed Phoenix. The brand, which released the Ray-Ban Display glasses earlier this year, is now said to be pushing the Mixed Reality glasses’ debut back by nearly a year to the first half of 2027. The device was originally slated for release in the second half of 2026.
The decision, which was confirmed via internal memos as reported by Business Insider, comes as Meta’s Reality Labs division, faces internal pressures for sustainability and significant budget cuts, reportedly up to 30%.
Meta wants to focus on polish over speed
Reality Labs executives Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns informed employees that the extended timeline is intended to “give us a lot more breathing room to get the details right.” They described the Phoenix device as “highly complex” and one that introduces substantial changes to the core user experience. “We won’t compromise on landing a fully polished and reliable experience,” the memo stated.
What will the Meta Mixed Reality glasses look like
The device, previously known by the codename Puffin, is a goggle-style mixed-reality headset. As far as rumours are concerned, prototypes have been described as resembling Apple’s Vision Pro, though Meta’s design is reportedly aiming for a lighter, more comfortable form factor for extended use, weighing around 100 grams (3.5 ounces).
To achieve this lighter weight, the headset is designed to connect to a puck-shaped external module that provides additional processing power, similar to how the Apple Vision Pro handles its battery pack.
However, sources indicate that Phoenix will feature lower-resolution displays and weaker computing performance compared to high-end rivals like the Vision Pro, suggesting it may target a different segment of the mixed-reality market.
The delay hints at a shift in priority at Meta as it attempts to balance its long-term investment in the metaverse with an accelerating push into AI. This focus was highlighted by the recent acquisition of the AI wearables startup Limitless, signaling the company’s commitment to integrating advanced AI into its future hardware lineup, including the Ray-Ban smart glasses line.
