Meta’s long-running effort to build advanced mixed-reality glasses has hit another delay, with the company now expected to launch the “Phoenix” project no earlier than 2027, according to a new industry report. The mixed-reality glasses, positioned internally as a breakthrough device in Meta’s augmented reality roadmap, were previously targeted for a mid-decade rollout.
🧩 Engineering Challenges Slow Progress
Highlight – Technical Roadblocks
Sources familiar with the development say the postponement stems from persistent engineering challenges, especially around lightweight optics, thermal management, and display integration. Phoenix is expected to deliver a more immersive AR experience than current consumer smart glasses, requiring next-generation components that are still under refinement.
💰 Rising Costs and Strategic Reshuffling
Highlight – Budget & Market Pressures
Meta’s Reality Labs division has been under increasing pressure to cut expenses after years of heavy investment in the metaverse ecosystem. With production costs climbing and investor scrutiny intensifying, the company is said to be prioritising devices with clearer near-term commercial potential, such as the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.
📅 What the 2027 Timeline Means for Meta
Highlight – Industry Implications
The shift to 2027 reshapes Meta’s broader XR and AR strategy. It places Phoenix’s release closer to next-gen AR and AI-powered wearable launches expected from competitors including Apple, Google, and Samsung. Analysts believe the delay could either give Meta more time to refine the product or risk ceding ground in the rapidly evolving AR market.
🔠Phoenix Still Central to Meta’s Long-Term Vision
Highlight – Future Outlook
Despite the delay, Phoenix remains a cornerstone of Meta’s long-term mixed reality plans. The device is intended to serve as a major step toward fully immersive, socially integrated AR experiences—key to the company’s metaverse ambitions. Insiders indicate Meta is still pushing aggressively to position Phoenix as a flagship product once the technology matures.