Launch Pushed Nearly a Year Ahead

Meta has delayed the release of its upcoming mixed reality headset, Phoenix, shifting the launch window to the first half of 2027. The headset was originally planned for 2026. According to internal documents reviewed by Business Insider, this shift reflects another adjustment in Mark Zuckerberg’s evolving metaverse roadmap. Meta is now trying to balance its ambitious AR plans with its rapidly growing investment in artificial intelligence.

Reality Labs Asked to Review Timelines and Budget

Sources say the delay followed a directive for Reality Labs — the division behind Meta’s hardware and metaverse efforts — to reassess both timelines and spending. During a recent review with CEO Mark Zuckerberg, senior leaders were told to prioritise sustainability and product quality rather than rushing development.

Maher Saba, Vice President of Reality Labs Foundation, sent a memo reminding employees that more time should not be used to add extra features or expand the scope of the project. Several teams were asked to adjust their internal schedules accordingly.

Development Challenges Also Influenced the Delay

Beyond Meta’s broader slowdown in metaverse spending, internal messages point to practical development issues. According to Reality Labs executives Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns, shifting the launch to 2027 gives the team “more breathing room to get the details right.”

They described Phoenix as a highly complex device that introduces major changes to Meta’s core user experience. They stressed that the team will not rush the process, adding, “We will not compromise on delivering a polished, high-quality and reliable product.”