Meta Halts Plans for High-End Vision Pro Competitor

Meta has decided to discontinue its development of a premium mixed reality headset, originally codenamed "La Jolla," which was expected to rival Apple's Vision Pro. This surprising decision comes just months after initial reports suggested that the headset was slated for release in 2027.

According to a recent report from The Information, Meta had begun developing the La Jolla headset in November but abruptly halted the project last week. The primary reason behind this move appears to be the high cost of the MicroOLED displays that the headset was supposed to feature. These displays are not only expensive to produce but also crucial to the device's visual quality, making it difficult for Meta to meet its goal of keeping the headset's price under $1,000.

The decision to cancel La Jolla suggests that Meta may be reconsidering its approach to the high-end VR market. Apple's Vision Pro, which launched at a staggering $3,500, has struggled to gain traction among consumers and developers, casting doubt on the viability of a premium competitor. Meta's own Quest Pro, released at $1,499, faced poor reviews and quickly faded from public interest, further highlighting the challenges in the high-end mixed reality space.

Despite these setbacks, Meta's official stance on the La Jolla cancellation has been somewhat dismissive. Andrew Bosworth, Meta's CTO, addressed the news on Threads, stating, "We have many prototypes in development at all times. But we don’t bring all of them to production. We move forward with some, we pass on others. Decisions like this happen all the time, and stories based on chatter about one individual decision will never give the real picture."

While La Jolla may be off the table, Meta is far from giving up on AR and VR technology. The Verge has reported that a more affordable Quest headset codenamed "Ventura," could be released later this year. Additionally, Meta is expected to unveil new AR glasses at its Meta Connect event next month. Rumours also suggest that the Quest 4, which may include both standard and premium versions, could be arriving in 2026.

Meta's shift away from La Jolla signals a broader recalibration of its mixed reality ambitions. Whether this move will ultimately benefit the company remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Meta is still committed to pushing the boundaries of AR and VR, even if it means focusing on more accessible and affordable options for the time being.