Meta Pushes Back Mixed Reality Glasses Debut to 2027 Amidst Calls for Polish and Reliability
In a move that suggests the company is prioritizing quality over timelines, Meta has announced that it will now launch its highly anticipated mixed reality glasses, codenamed "Phoenix," in the first half of 2027. The decision comes after an internal memo from Maher Saba, vice president of Meta's Reality Labs Foundation, revealed that the project had been pushed back from a previously scheduled 2026 debut.
According to Saba's memo, the delay will provide Meta with more time to refine and perfect its product, resulting in a "polished and reliable experience" for users. This stance is echoed by other high-ranking executives at Meta, including Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns, who emphasized that the new release window will grant them ample room to get things right.
Details about the Phoenix project have been scarce, but it's understood that the mixed reality glasses will feature a goggle-like design with an external power source, similar to the Apple Vision Pro. While Meta hasn't provided many specifics on its plans for the product, recent reports suggest that the company is also exploring new wearable technology, including a limited edition project codenamed "Malibu 2."
The Malibu 2 initiative represents another significant development in Meta's expansion of its offerings beyond smart glasses and VR headsets. The acquisition of Limitless, a startup behind an AI wearable called Pendant, further underscores the company's efforts to diversify its product portfolio.
While some might view the delay as a setback for Meta's ambitions, it seems that the company is taking a measured approach to ensure that its next foray into mixed reality technology meets the high standards of quality and reliability that users have come to expect.
In a move that suggests the company is prioritizing quality over timelines, Meta has announced that it will now launch its highly anticipated mixed reality glasses, codenamed "Phoenix," in the first half of 2027. The decision comes after an internal memo from Maher Saba, vice president of Meta's Reality Labs Foundation, revealed that the project had been pushed back from a previously scheduled 2026 debut.
According to Saba's memo, the delay will provide Meta with more time to refine and perfect its product, resulting in a "polished and reliable experience" for users. This stance is echoed by other high-ranking executives at Meta, including Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns, who emphasized that the new release window will grant them ample room to get things right.
Details about the Phoenix project have been scarce, but it's understood that the mixed reality glasses will feature a goggle-like design with an external power source, similar to the Apple Vision Pro. While Meta hasn't provided many specifics on its plans for the product, recent reports suggest that the company is also exploring new wearable technology, including a limited edition project codenamed "Malibu 2."
The Malibu 2 initiative represents another significant development in Meta's expansion of its offerings beyond smart glasses and VR headsets. The acquisition of Limitless, a startup behind an AI wearable called Pendant, further underscores the company's efforts to diversify its product portfolio.
While some might view the delay as a setback for Meta's ambitions, it seems that the company is taking a measured approach to ensure that its next foray into mixed reality technology meets the high standards of quality and reliability that users have come to expect.
I'm kinda stoked about this, tbh! I mean, who doesn't want those Meta Phoenix glasses? 
But honestly, 2027 feels like a solid release date. I've tried some of the early prototypes and let's just say they're still a bit glitchy 
. Like, I get it, quality over timelines, right? 
It's all about making sure we don't have some major issues with lag or weird side effects. As someone who's really into mindfulness and self-care, I know how much of an impact tech can have on our mental health 
. So if Meta is taking the time to get it just right, I'm totally down for the wait! 
. They need to make sure these glasses are gonna change people's lives, you know? Not just some gimmicky thing that everyone's gonna forget about in a year.
. It's like they're hiding something from us 
. But if it means they're gonna put out a polished and reliable product, then I'm all for it. Just don't expect me to be hyped about it until I see some real footage 
.
What's this AI wearable thing supposed to do again?
. plus its not like other companies aren't doing the same thing with their own AR/VR products... this just feels like a more mature approach to innovation, you know? 
Meta seems smart to take their time and polish this thing before releasing it to the public. Can't say I'm too stoked for mixed reality glasses yet though... sounds like they're still trying to figure some things out 
.
. at least meta is taking the time to make sure everything is just right before releasing phoenix. i'm kinda stoked for this now, might actually get a reliable pair of mixed reality glasses that don't give me headaches 
2026 would've been too soon for me - I think Meta's taking the right approach here. We need tech companies to prioritize quality over just meeting a deadline. The fact that they're being transparent about it too, like sharing an internal memo, shows they value their users' trust. 
Plus, with new wearables like Malibu 2 in development, I'm curious to see where this takes us! 
. Mark my words, by 2027, everyone will be like "meh, mixed reality glasses? Whoop-de-doo" 
. Meta's gotta prioritize quality over trying to fit into some arbitrary timeline. I'm all for innovation and pushing boundaries, but let's not sacrifice our sanity in the process 
.
. Bring on the Phoenix! 
. Less than 5 years is a pretty tight timeline for something as complex as mixed reality tech - I'd rather have it now but be able to use it without having to troubleshoot every other day 
and why did they even delay the phoenix project in the first place 
... maybe they just wanted to see if everyone would still care about mixed reality glasses after all this time 
. Can't they just do a soft launch or something? And what's with all these delays?! It's always "we're gonna fix this and that" but we never see any actual progress 
.
. I'm hyped to see what they come up with now – maybe we'll even get a sweet new wearable like Malibu 2 
.
in 2026 we saw so many "augmented reality" products that were more like... augmented annoyances