Meta appears to be changing course on its virtual reality strategy, putting plans for a Quest 4 headset on hold in favor of a more lightweight, glasses-like device.
According to a report from UploadVR, the company is now focusing on developing a mixed-reality headset codenamed “Puffin,” which could launch by late 2026.
The move means Meta is stepping away from two planned Quest 4 models—internally called “Pismo Low” and “Pismo High”—that were expected to arrive next year.
This isn’t the first time the company has scrapped a headset in development; last year, it also canceled a high-end model known as “La Jolla,” which was slated for 2027.
Instead, Meta seems to be betting on a different kind of device. The “Puffin” headset, first reported by The Information last year, is designed to look more like a bulky pair of glasses, weighing just 110 grams.
To keep it that light, Meta is reportedly moving the processor and battery into a separate, pocket-sized device that would connect to the headset. Another big change? No controllers—users would navigate using just their eyes and hand gestures.
Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, has already acknowledged the project, telling The Verge last year that the company was in the early “discovery” phase of development.
While the exact specs are still being worked out, UploadVR reports that Meta is testing different display options at various price points. The headset will run on HorizonOS, the same software that powers Meta’s Quest devices, but it might lean more toward productivity and entertainment rather than gaming.
If the timeline holds, Meta’s shift could mean a longer wait for the next major Quest headset. But it also suggests the company is trying to make mixed reality more practical—and maybe even something people would wear all day.
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