Meta Overshadows Apple In Next VR Headset Development

Meta considers developing its next VR headset as a follow-up to Quest 3 launch (photo: Twitter @MetaQuestVR)

JAKARTA - Meta is considering developing its next VR headset as a follow-up to Quest 3's upcoming launch this week. This plan was carried out in line with Meta's efforts to popularize its VR technology.

The news came after Apple announced Vision Pro. According to Mark Gurman in the Power On bulletin for Bloomberg, Quest Meta's headset marketing strategy has changed in response to Apple's announcement of Vision Pro.

Gurman said that a source in Meta told him the company is currently in the "worry about Apple," which compared to the mobile phone industry before the launch of the iPhone. Gurman mentioned that Meta's shift from a strong focus on the metaverse is more about increasing the practical use of headsets, such as gaming and productivity, is a direct response to Apple's offer to Vision Pro. Even if the price is much higher, Apple's headset may be more realistic than a deep virtual world.

Meta's plan involves efforts to create the next headset, which has a Ventura code name, at a more affordable price. Quest 3 already has a price of less than 15 percent of the Vision Pro price. Meta is also looking for ways to make headsets more comfortable without sacrificing screen resolution.

According to Gurman, Meta is also considering not including controllers in this headset sales package to help lower costs, so customers can choose to use hand movements or buy separate controllers.

Apple and Meta are basically eyeing different markets, but right now, the existing VR headset market is mostly monopolized by "people who want VR headsets" - that is, those who adopt this technology quickly.

Meta is trying to figure out how the market will develop when it really grows, and to take part in it, the company needs a different product, or the risk of Quest headset following in the footsteps of its mobile features.