Meta Platforms has scrapped its plans for a premium mixed-reality headset, La Jolla, which was intended to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro. The decision was made after a product review meeting, where the company’s Reality Labs division was instructed to cease work on the device.
The headset codenamed La Jolla was scheduled for release in 2027 and featured ultrahigh-resolution micro OLED screens, similar to those used in Vision Pros.
The cancellation of La Jolla comes as no surprise, given the struggles of Apple’s Vision Pro, which has failed to gain traction due to its hefty $3,500 price tag. Meta’s Reality Labs division has incurred significant losses, but CEO Mark Zuckerberg remains committed to the future of augmented and virtual reality technologies.
Instead, Meta will focus on its existing line of Quest headsets, including the affordable Quest 2 ($200) and Quest 3 ($500). The company had previously discontinued the Quest Pro, its most expensive headset priced at $999, due to weak sales and poor reviews.
The cancellation of La Jolla highlights the challenges of developing high-end mixed-reality headsets. The technology is relatively still in its infancy, and consumers are hesitant to invest in expensive devices with limited functionality and limited software options. Meta’s decision to focus on affordable devices is a logical move from the commercial perspective, as it allows the company to reach a wider audience and generate revenue.
Written by Alius Noreika
