Meta Cancels Premium Headset Plan, Focuses On More Affordable Products

Meta Platforms has canceled plans to develop premium mixed reality headsets (photo: x @RealityLabs ·)

JAKARTA - On August 23, 2024, Meta Platforms has reportedly canceled a premium mixed reality headset development plan previously planned to compete with Apple's Vision Pro. According to a report from Information, the decision came after a product review meeting that took place this week, in which employees at the Reality Labs Meta division were ordered to stop working on the device.

This canceled device is known internally by the code name "La Jolla" and was originally scheduled for release in 2027. La Jolla is planned to be equipped with a high-resolution display known as micro OLED, the same screen technology used in Apple's Vision Pro.

The virtual reality and mixed headset market gained renewed attention with Apple's inclusion last year. However, Apple's Vision Pro faces a challenge in sales due to a very high price of 3,500 US dollars (Rp53 million).

Meta's Reality Labs Division, which is responsible for developing and marketing Quest's headset line, has suffered billions of dollars in losses. However, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg remains optimistic about the future of augmented reality and virtual reality technology.

Quest's current headset line includes Quest 2, which sells for $200, and Quest 3 for $500. Previously, in 2023, Meta had stopped production of Quest Pro the most expensive headset sold for $999 (Rp15 million) after experiencing weak sales and unsatisfactory reviews, according to a report from Information.

Meta has yet to provide an official response to a request for comment from the media regarding this report.