Meta is reportedly making significant changes to its VR roadmap, with the highly anticipated Quest 4 headset now pushed back to 2027 while the company focuses on developing an entirely new type of VR device. According to reliable industry sources, Meta has cancelled two Quest 4 prototypes in favor of a revolutionary lightweight headset codenamed Puffin that could arrive as early as 2026.
VR Release Timeline:
- 2025: No new Meta Quest device
- 2026: Puffin headset expected launch
- 2026: Potential Asus/Lenovo Horizon OS devices
- 2027: Quest 4 earliest possible release
Quest 4 Development Hits Major Roadblock
The delay stems from Meta's decision to cancel two key prototypes known internally as Pismo Low and Pismo High, which were budget and premium variants intended to follow the Quest 3s and Quest 3 release pattern. Industry leakers Brad Lynch and Luna, both known for their accurate VR predictions, have confirmed that the Quest 4 timeline has been significantly extended. This represents a major shift in Meta's VR strategy, moving away from the traditional Quest release cycle that consumers have come to expect.
Cancelled Meta Prototypes:
- Pismo Low (Budget Quest 4 variant)
- Pismo High (Premium Quest 4 variant)
Revolutionary Puffin Design Breaks VR Convention
The Puffin headset represents a dramatic departure from Meta's traditional all-in-one VR approach. Instead of cramming all processing power into the headset itself, Puffin utilizes a separate compute puck small enough to fit in a jacket pocket. This design philosophy mirrors aspects of Apple's Vision Pro but takes the concept further by relocating both processing power and battery away from the user's head. The headset itself is expected to weigh under 100 grams, resembling chunky glasses rather than the bulky designs currently dominating the VR market.
Puffin Headset Specifications:
- Weight: Under 100 grams
- Design: Chunky glasses form factor
- Processing: External compute puck (pocket-sized)
- Controls: Hand tracking only (no controllers)
- Focus: Productivity and entertainment applications
Hand Tracking Focus Signals New Use Cases
Puffin will reportedly abandon traditional VR controllers entirely, relying exclusively on hand tracking technology. This decision suggests Meta is targeting productivity and entertainment applications rather than gaming experiences. The device is designed to excel at creating virtual multi-monitor setups and immersive media consumption, positioning it as a tool for professionals and casual users rather than hardcore gamers. This strategic pivot indicates Meta's belief that VR's future lies beyond gaming applications.
Horizon OS Partners Prepare Market Entry
While Meta develops Puffin, the company's Horizon OS partners are preparing their own entries into the VR market. Asus is reportedly working on a gaming-focused headset called Tarius under its ROG brand, featuring enhanced displays and eye-tracking capabilities. Lenovo and Xbox are also developing Horizon OS devices, though details remain scarce. With Meta stepping back from a 2025 Quest release, 2026 could provide an ideal window for these partners to establish their presence in the VR ecosystem.
Horizon OS Partners:
- Asus: Tarius headset (ROG gaming brand)
- Lenovo: Unnamed device in development
- Xbox: Collaboration details undisclosed
Market Implications and Timeline Uncertainty
The Quest 4 delay until 2027 creates an unusual gap in Meta's VR lineup, potentially allowing competitors to gain ground in the standalone VR market. However, if Puffin successfully delivers on its promise of ultra-lightweight design and seamless productivity integration, it could define a new category of VR devices entirely. The success of this pivot will largely depend on whether consumers are ready to embrace tethered VR experiences after years of all-in-one convenience, and whether the productivity-focused approach can capture the same enthusiasm that gaming applications have generated for VR technology.