Meta Quest Pro: The Rise, Fall, and Uncertain Future of Meta’s Mixed Reality Headset
Meta’s ambitious foray into the mixed reality space with the Meta Quest Pro has been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Released in late 2022, the headset was positioned as a premium device targeting prosumers and businesses, but it failed to achieve the success Meta had envisioned. Now, the company has officially discontinued the Quest Pro, marking the end of its first mixed reality headset just over two years after its launch.
The Quest pro’s Promising Start
The Meta Quest Pro was a meaningful departure from Meta’s consumer-focused standalone headsets, wich were priced around $300 at the time.Priced at $1,500, the Quest Pro boasted advanced features like color-passthrough, pancake lenses, and face and eye-tracking, setting it apart from its predecessor, the Quest 2.
However, less than five months after its release, Meta slashed the price to $1,000 in an effort to attract more prosumers. This move signaled early struggles in gaining traction for the high-end device.
Reports of discontinuation and Prototype Shelving
In July 2023, The Information reported that Meta was discontinuing the Quest Pro line entirely.Meta CTO and Reality labs chief Andrew Bosworth quickly refuted the claim, stating, “don’t believe everything you read.”
By July 2024, another report from The Information suggested Meta was shifting its focus to developing a lightweight mixed reality device codenamed ‘Puffin’, resembling “a bulky pair of glasses” and targeting a 2027 release. Additionally, Meta is reportedly working on AR glasses similar to its Orion AR glasses prototype, with a release expected before 2030.
A follow-up report revealed that a Quest Pro 2 prototype, codenamed ‘La Jolla’, had been shelved. Bosworth confirmed the cancellation of la Jolla but remained ambiguous about the future of the Quest Pro line, stating, “there might be a Quest Pro 2, there might not be. I’m not really telling you,but I will say don’t believe everything you read about what’s been stopped or started.”
Meta’s Iterative Approach to Development
Meta’s product development strategy involves spinning up and shutting down prototypes, prioritizing exploration over immediate commercialization. This iterative approach makes it challenging to discern whether reported stops and starts are stepping stones or dead ends.
What’s Next for meta’s Mixed Reality Ambitions?
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Meta is not only working on a Quest 3 consumer follow-up but also a “high-end” model that could succeed the Quest Pro. Gurman also reported that Meta is developing Quest 4 VR goggles, signaling the company’s continued commitment to the mixed reality space.
Key Points at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Release Date | Late 2022 |
| Initial Price | $1,500 |
| Price Drop | Reduced to $1,000 within five months |
| Key Features | Color-passthrough, pancake lenses, face and eye-tracking |
| Discontinuation | Officially discontinued in 2025 |
| Future Projects | Puffin (lightweight MR glasses), Orion AR glasses, Quest 4 VR goggles |
Conclusion
The Meta Quest Pro may not have lived up to its potential, but its legacy lies in Meta’s continued exploration of mixed reality. With projects like Puffin, Orion AR glasses, and Quest 4 VR goggles in the pipeline, the company remains committed to pushing the boundaries of immersive technology. As Bosworth aptly put it, “don’t believe everything you read”—Meta’s journey in mixed reality is far from over.
Exploring Meta’s Mixed Reality evolution: From Quest Pro to Puffin and Beyond
Meta’s journey into mixed reality has been marked by bold innovations and unexpected challenges. With the discontinuation of the Meta Quest Pro and new projects like Puffin, Orion AR glasses, and Quest 4 VR goggles on the horizon, the company continues to push the boundaries of immersive technology. To better understand this evolving landscape, we sat down with Dr. Elena Martinez, a leading expert in immersive technologies and mixed reality development.
The Rise and Fall of the Meta Quest Pro
Senior Editor: The Meta Quest Pro was initially seen as a game-changer for mixed reality. What were its standout features, and why do you think it ultimately failed to meet expectations?
Dr. Martinez: The Quest Pro was indeed a significant leap forward, particularly with features like color-passthrough, pancake lenses, and advanced face and eye-tracking. These innovations positioned it as a premium device targeting professionals and businesses. However, its $1,500 price point was a major barrier. While Meta later reduced the price to $1,000, the device had already struggled to gain traction. Additionally, the market for such high-end mixed reality headsets is still niche, which likely contributed to its limited success.
Shifting Focus: Puffin, Orion AR Glasses, and Beyond
Senior editor: Reports suggest Meta is now redirecting its efforts toward projects like Puffin and Orion AR glasses. What can you tell us about these developments?
Dr. Martinez: Puffin is an exciting project—it’s designed to be a lightweight mixed reality device, resembling “a bulky pair of glasses.” This shift indicates Meta’s focus on creating more accessible and wearable technology. Similarly, the Orion AR glasses prototype hints at Meta’s long-term vision for augmented reality, with a potential release before 2030. These projects show that Meta is committed to exploring diverse form factors and use cases, even if it means stepping away from the Quest Pro line for now.
Meta’s Iterative Development Approach
Senior editor: meta is known for its iterative approach to product development. How does this strategy impact its mixed reality projects?
Dr. Martinez: Meta’s strategy involves spinning up and shutting down prototypes frequently, which allows for rapid exploration of new ideas but can also lead to uncertainty. Such as, the Quest Pro 2 prototype, codenamed ‘La Jolla’, was shelved, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the Quest Pro line.As Andrew bosworth said, “don’t believe everything you read.” This fluid approach enables Meta to pivot quickly but can also make it challenging to predict the company’s next move.
The Future of meta’s Mixed Reality Ambitions
Senior Editor: With projects like Quest 4 VR goggles and a potential high-end successor to the Quest Pro, what’s next for Meta in the mixed reality space?
Dr. Martinez: Meta’s pipeline is incredibly active. The Quest 4 VR goggles signal a continued focus on consumer VR, while the rumored high-end model could fill the void left by the Quest pro. Additionally, the focus on AR glasses like Orion suggests Meta is thinking long-term, aiming to blend augmented and virtual realities seamlessly. the key takeaway is that Meta is diversifying its portfolio, ensuring it remains a leader in immersive technology despite setbacks like the Quest Pro’s discontinuation.
Final Thoughts
Senior Editor: What’s your overall viewpoint on Meta’s mixed reality journey so far, and what should we expect in the coming years?
Dr. Martinez: Meta’s journey in mixed reality has been a mix of triumphs and lessons. The Quest Pro may not have achieved its full potential, but it laid the groundwork for future innovations. With projects like puffin, orion AR glasses, and Quest 4 VR goggles in development, Meta is clearly committed to pushing the boundaries of immersive technology. As Bosworth aptly said, “don’t believe everything you read”—Meta’s story in mixed reality is far from over, and the next chapters promise to be thrilling.
