Meta has officially abandoned its plans to develop a high-end mixed reality headset, codenamed La Jolla, which was initially expected to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro. Originally projected for a 2027 release, this premium AR/VR device is now off the table.
Meta Cancels High-End La Jolla Headset Development
Despite recent news that the La Jolla headset was in the works and set to launch in 2027, Meta has reportedly decided to discontinue the project. According to sources from The Information, Meta began development on the La Jolla headset last November but instructed employees to cease all work on the device just last week.
The primary reason behind this decision appears to be the high cost associated with the headset’s MicroOLED displays. These displays, known for their superior quality, are also notoriously expensive to produce, making it increasingly difficult for Meta to keep the headset’s price below the $1,000 mark—a target that was becoming less achievable as development progressed.
Meta’s Shift Away from Premium VR
This move suggests that Meta may be reconsidering its investment in high-end virtual reality. The mixed reality market, especially for premium devices, has shown limited appetite, as evidenced by the lukewarm reception of Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro. The Quest Pro, another Meta product that launched at $1,499, also struggled to gain traction, receiving poor reviews and quickly fading from consumer interest.
Officially, however, Meta is downplaying the cancellation of La Jolla. Meta’s CTO, Andrew Bosworth, addressed the situation 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.”
Meta’s Future in AR/VR Technology
Despite the setback with La Jolla, Meta remains committed to advancing its AR/VR technology. Reports from TechLoot indicate that a more affordable Quest headset, codenamed Ventura, could be released later this year. Additionally, Meta is expected to unveil new AR glasses at the upcoming Meta Connect event. Looking ahead, the Quest 4 is rumored to be in development, with both standard and premium versions anticipated to launch in 2026.
While the high-end La Jolla headset may no longer be part of Meta’s plans, the company continues to explore other avenues in the AR/VR space, focusing on devices that balance innovation with affordability.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 24th August 2024