Executives Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns reportedly told employees that the extended schedule “gives us a lot more breathing room to get the details right,” underscoring Meta’s efforts to avoid a rushed release in an increasingly competitive segment of the XR market.
Phoenix, previously code-named Puffin, is expected to be a lightweight device at roughly 100 grams (about 3.5 ounces). Earlier reporting from The Information noted that its display resolution and computing power are likely to fall below those of premium offerings such as Apple’s Vision Pro, positioning the product as a more accessible option rather than a flagship performance headset.
Mixed reality, which blends augmented and virtual reality to let digital and physical elements interact seamlessly, remains a strategic area for Meta—but one facing tighter fiscal scrutiny. Bloomberg News reported that Meta is preparing budget reductions of up to 30% for its metaverse division. That unit operates within Reality Labs, the broader group responsible for the company’s Quest headsets, Ray-Ban smart glasses developed with EssilorLuxottica, and Meta’s forthcoming AR eyewear.
Meta did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the reported delay.