Meta is making a major shift in its mixed reality strategy, with plans to launch a new ultra-lightweight headset, codenamed “Puffin,” by the end of 2026. This move comes alongside the reported cancellation or delay of the previously planned Quest 4 models, signaling a new direction for Meta’s hardware ambitions.
The Puffin headset is designed to look like a thick pair of glasses and will weigh just around 110 grams—much lighter than current VR headsets. To achieve this, Meta will move the processing power and battery into a small external “compute puck” that users can carry in their pocket, making the headset more comfortable for long-term wear. Instead of traditional controllers, Puffin is expected to use advanced eye-tracking and hand gesture controls, similar to what Apple’s Vision Pro offers.
Unlike earlier Quest devices that mainly targeted gamers, the Puffin headset will focus more on productivity and entertainment. It will run on HorizonOS, Meta’s mixed reality platform, and is expected to support features like multiple virtual screens for work and leisure.
This strategic change comes as Meta faces increasing competition from Apple, which is also working to launch its own lightweight AR glasses. With Quest 4 upgrades now pushed to 2027, Puffin will be Meta’s next big hardware release. The race between Meta and Apple is heating up, promising rapid advancements and more choices for consumers in the mixed and augmented reality space.
