In a surprising move, Meta has decided to halt the development of a high-end mixed reality headset that was intended to rival Apple's Vision Pro. According to reports, Meta informed its employees to stop working on the project after a product review meeting led by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The cancellation comes as a result of the high cost of the device's components, particularly the high-resolution micro OLED displays that were planned to be used, similar to those found in the Apple Vision Pro.

Originally slated for a 2027 release, the canceled Meta headset aimed to offer consumers an immersive mixed reality experience at an affordable price point below $1,000. However, the prohibitively expensive displays made it challenging for Meta to achieve this target cost. Despite this setback, Meta is still committed to advancing in the virtual reality space and is currently focusing on the development of the Quest 4, the successor to the Quest 3.

The Quest 3, priced at $500, has garnered positive reviews and sales, serving as a platform for Meta's ongoing strides in both hardware and software. In fact, Meta recently announced the Horizon OS platform, designed to enable third-party hardware makers to create compatible devices. This decision aligns with Meta's shift towards prioritizing software development over exclusive focus on hardware.

On the other hand, Apple's Vision Pro, which was expected to reignite the popularity of headsets and validate Zuckerberg's AR/VR endeavors, has fallen short of these expectations. Despite an initially promising launch, consumer interest quickly waned, resulting in declining foot traffic at Apple retail stores and reduced shipments of the Vision Pro in April. It appears that Apple has also shifted its focus, as plans for a second-generation high-cost Vision Pro have been redirected towards developing a lower-cost model with fewer features, closer in price to high-end iPhones.

While rumors swirl around Apple's upcoming iPhone 16 lineup, set to be unveiled at the company's annual September event, additional products are expected to be introduced alongside the new iPhones. Though details remain scarce, anticipation is building for the event as consumers eagerly await announcements beyond the highly anticipated iPhone 16.

As the launch of the iPhone 16 draws nearer, reports suggest that a significant number of iPhone users are gearing up to upgrade to the newest series. In a recent survey conducted by SellCell, over 2,000 US-based iPhone owners voiced their preference for a better thermal design in the iPhone 16, aiming to prevent overheating issues. Additionally, camera enthusiasts can look forward to enhanced photography and videography features in the upcoming iPhone lineup, including upgraded hardware and software capabilities.

Despite the setback of canceling the high-end mixed reality headset, Meta's focus on the Quest 4 and software development showcases the company's determination to remain a major player in the virtual reality market. As competition intensifies and consumer expectations evolve, industry observers eagerly await Meta's next moves and the potential innovations they will bring to the VR landscape.