Meta AR Glasses may have just been delayed — here’s why

Meta logo on screen of mobile phone on Facebook word background. Facebook after rebranding and changing name to Meta.
(Image credit: Viacheslav Lopatin | Shutterstock)

Last we heard the Meta AR Glasses were a huge priority for the company. Especially CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who reportedly saw the glasses as an “iPhone moment” and a way to get out from under the thumb of Apple and Google. But that may no longer be the case.

A new report from The Information claims Meta/Facebook is dialing back its plans for AR glasses. While this is a blow to the project, it seems other hardware is also on the chopping block. Portal smart displays are reportedly being shifted away from the consumer market, and the long-rumored Facebook watch has apparently been cancelled.

Originally we’d heard that Facebook/Meta had planned to launch the first Meta AR Glasses, codenamed Project Nazare, in late 2024. But according to The Information’s reports, plans have changed, and the glasses won’t be released commercially. 

Apparently this change is due to the company’s plans to cut back on big investment at Reality Labs, which is involved with research and development of both augmented and virtual reality.

So what’s the plan now? A source told The Information that the new plan is to use the first Meta AR Glasses as a demonstration product. If I were to speculate, I’d guess that the first generation glasses will be a proof of concept and a tool for developers. That way developers can get to work creating apps and acclimating to augmented reality systems in anticipation of a commercial product.

If that sounds familiar, it’s because the Apple VR/AR headset is rumored to be in a similar position. While the headset will reportedly go on sale in 2023, it’s main purpose is apparently to ensure developers have the tools and experience needed to create apps for the AR Apple Glasses.

Meta/Facebook will release AR Glasses at some point, only the plan is apparently to focus on the second generation model — codenamed Artemis. A previous report suggested that the second-gen model would arrive in 2026, though it’s not clear whether that timeline is still in the cards.

It’s not clear what this means for the rumored cheaper AR glasses, codenamed Hypernova, which were reliant on a smartphone connection rather than operating as an independent device.

facebook/meta watch leaked design with camera notch on blue background

(Image credit: Bloomberg/Steve Moser)

Development on the Meta smartwatch, which was rumored to have dual cameras, has been halted altogether according to Bloomberg. The watch was supposedly able to function as a controller, translating nerve signals in the wrist into commands for other compatible devices. A process called electromyography.

Electromyography is supposedly an important part of Facebook’s metaverse ambitions. The idea being that sensors on the wrist would allow users to control their avatars or interact with digital objects. However, it’s reported that the Meta watch’s camera was causing issues, likely leading to its cancelation. Other smartwatches are reportedly still in development at the company.

As for Portal, Facebook is reportedly repositioning this as a business device. It’s suspected that Portal will be promoted as a tool for hybrid working, particularly since the latest models are compatible with both Zoom and Microsoft teams.

I assume that means marketing Portal as a conference-room tool, rather than a product for remote workers that already have devices like laptops and tablets.

All in all, this isn’t a great collection of news for whatever hardware ambitions Facebook might have. But hey, at least Oculus headsets are still some of the best VR headsets around — despite the awkward rebranding.

TOPICS
Tom Pritchard
UK Phones Editor

Tom is the Tom's Guide's UK Phones Editor, tackling the latest smartphone news and vocally expressing his opinions about upcoming features or changes. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He’s usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining about how terrible his Smart TV is.

Read more
Apple Glasses render
Apple AR glasses for Mac reportedly cancelled — here’s why
James Cameron and Andrew “Boz” Bosworth at Meta Labs
Meta says it's now or never for mixed reality as Android XR threat looms
Meta Orion glasses on table
No, not Orion — Meta's first 'real' AR glasses tipped to debut in 2027
Meta Orion glasses on table
5 reasons the Meta Orion AR glasses are either the missing link in spatial computing — or a total gimmick
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
New Ray-Ban Meta Glasses for 2025 could get the upgrade we've been waiting for
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
I love my Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses — but Zuckerberg's plan to create Oakley's my Dad would wear is kind of cringe
Latest in VR & AR
Samsung's Project Moohan with Android XR at Galaxy Unpacked 2025
New Samsung XR headset report tips mass production for April — but I'm worried about the price
Samsung's Project Moohan with Android XR at Galaxy Unpacked 2025
Samsung’s new XR headset just tipped for a big advantage over the Apple Vision Pro
Samsung's Project Moohan with Android XR at Galaxy Unpacked 2025
Samsung’s bringing its Project Moohan headset to MWC 2025 — what we know
Project Cambria VR headset teaser
Valve VR headset just tipped to launch by end of this year — and this could be the price
Apple Vision Pro on table
Apple Vision Pro is getting a big Apple Intelligence upgrade with visionOS 2.4 — here's all the new features
Apple Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro major upgrade tipped with visionOS 2.4 — here's all the new features
Latest in News
Hacker typing on laptop in darkened room
Hackers create "BRUTED" tool to attack VPNs – how to stay safe
Malware
Dangerous new password-stealing trojan automatically reinstalls itself on infected PCs
Gemini screenshot image
Gemini just became the ultimate collaborator — everything you need to know about this huge new upgrade
HP OmniBook
HP’s new OmniBook lineup looks set to smash AI laptop price barriers — that’s a good thing if the company keeps up its end of the deal
Roku Pro Series on living room wall
Roku is adding the worst part of Fire TV to its streaming devices
Adam James and Christina Hendricks in The Buccaneers
'The Buccaneers' season 2 gets release date — here's our first look at this season's new star character