Meta Unveils $1,299 VR Glasses Set for 2027 Launch at Connect 2026 Event

At the Connect 2026 event, Meta Platforms revealed its long-awaited lightweight VR glasses, known as Project Phoenix, which are scheduled to launch in the first half of 2027 at a price of $1,299.99. Originally intended for a late 2026 release, the timeline was adjusted to refine the product before it reaches consumers.

Project Phoenix is designed to resemble traditional glasses, weighing under 110 grams. The device connects to an external processing unit, referred to as a 'compute puck,' which alleviates the weight from the glasses themselves. This innovative design allows for a field of view of approximately 88 to 91 degrees diagonal, catering to use cases such as media consumption, social interactions, and fitness activities rather than gaming.

While earlier reports suggested a target price below $1,000, the final price point positions Project Phoenix significantly higher than Meta's Quest 3, which launched at $499.99. The Quest 3S further lowered the entry point for consumers, making the price of Project Phoenix more than two and a half times that of the Quest 3.

Project Phoenix is part of a broader product roadmap, with Meta executives hinting at additional next-generation headsets, including the Quest 4, aimed at maintaining a more affordable, gaming-oriented product line. Recent firmware leaks have provided insights into the headset's design, confirming the anticipated glasses-style form factor.

Meta's Reality Labs division has invested heavily in VR technology since acquiring Oculus in 2014, transitioning from bulkier devices to lighter, everyday-wearable mixed-reality products. The introduction of Project Phoenix follows Apple's Vision Pro, which demonstrated the potential of premium mixed-reality devices at a price of $3,499, positioning Meta's offering as a more accessible alternative in the market.