Meta has recently announced significant changes to its virtual reality offerings, particularly concerning Horizon Worlds, a key component of its Meta Quest 3 strategy. This flagship app will officially cease operations on June 15, 2026, marking a notable pivot for the company.
Horizon Worlds Transition to Non-VR
Last month, Meta revealed that Horizon Worlds will transition to a mobile-first experience and will no longer be available in VR. By March 31, 2026, it will be removed from the Meta Quest store. Users can still access VR features until the app’s final closure.
A spokesperson from Meta confirmed, “You can still jump into your other favorite worlds in VR until June 15, 2026, after which the Horizon Worlds app will be removed from Quest.”
Impact on Meta’s VR Strategy
- Horizon Worlds was intended to cement Meta’s presence in the metaverse.
- The app struggled to compete with popular alternatives like Gorilla Tag and VRChat.
- Meta’s investment in VR has been re-evaluated, leading to staff reductions and project cancellations.
In early 2026, Meta laid off approximately 10% of its Reality Labs staff as part of these efficiency measures. Reports indicate the company may consider even deeper cuts, potentially affecting up to 20% of its entire workforce, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence.
Future Hardware Developments
Despite the contraction in its VR division, Meta remains committed to developing new headset hardware. Chris Pruett, Meta’s Director of Games, indicated that they are exploring lighter VR headset options with separate battery and processor units, targeting a release in 2027.
Shift Towards Smart Glasses
Meta is also pivoting towards smart glasses, with the recently released Meta Ray-Ban Display serving as a notable example. These glasses feature an in-vision screen and support gesture controls, evolving from the popular Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer smart glasses.
The question remains whether this new design compromises the allure of previous models, which closely resemble traditional sunglasses.
As Meta moves away from traditional VR with the Meta Quest 3, it is clear that the future focuses on adaptation within the evolving landscape of technology.
