Meta has pushed back the release of its upcoming mixed-reality glasses, internally code-named Phoenix, to 2027, according to a report published by Business Insider. The device was previously expected to launch in the second half of 2026.

Delay Made to Ensure a “Fully Polished Device”

The report, citing an internal memo, said Meta executives Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns told employees that the revised timeline will give the company “more breathing room to get the details right.” Meta has not yet responded to Reuters’ request for official comment.

The Phoenix glasses—earlier known by the code name Puffin—are designed to be lightweight at around 100 grams. However, they reportedly feature lower-resolution displays and less computing power compared to premium headsets such as Apple’s Vision Pro, according to earlier reporting by The Information.

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A Strategic Move Amid Metaverse Budget Cuts

The delay comes as Meta continues to adjust its long-term metaverse strategy. Bloomberg News reported that Meta is preparing budget cuts of up to 30% for its metaverse division, which falls under Reality Labs—the company’s hardware unit behind Quest headsets, Ray-Ban smart glasses (built in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica), and Meta’s next-generation AR products.

Mixed reality combines elements of augmented and virtual reality, enabling users to interact with both physical and digital environments. Meta has placed significant emphasis on this technology as it expands its hardware ecosystem, but the company appears to be prioritizing refinement over speed with Phoenix.

Competitive Pressure in the MR Market

The mixed-reality hardware landscape has become increasingly competitive, with Apple, Google, and several emerging hardware manufacturers racing to develop next-generation AR/MR glasses. Analysts say Meta’s decision to delay may reflect the need to enhance display quality, processor performance, and battery efficiency to compete with rivals.

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The Phoenix glasses are considered a core component of Meta’s broader plan to build an integrated AR platform, positioning them as eventual successors to the company’s current Quest lineup.