Meta has canceled the development of its high-end mixed reality headset, which aimed to rival Apple’s Vision Pro. Known internally as “La Jolla,” the headset was central to Meta’s strategy in the mixed reality market. However, Meta’s leadership, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, decided to discontinue the project in mid-August 2024.
Costs and Strategic Changes Drive Decision
Meta’s decision to cancel La Jolla stemmed from cost concerns. The company wanted to price the headset under $1,000, significantly less than Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro. Despite these goals, the high cost of key components, like micro OLED displays, made it difficult to stay within budget. Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, mentioned on Threads that the company often works on multiple prototypes but does not always bring them to market.
What’s Next for Meta’s Mixed Reality Ambitions
Although Meta has shelved the La Jolla project, the company is not abandoning its mixed reality ambitions. Technologies developed for La Jolla, such as gaze tracking, may appear in future products. Meta continues to explore other headset prototypes, though it remains uncertain if the company will pursue another high-end device to compete directly with Apple’s Vision Pro.
