Meta Delays Phoenix Mixed Reality Glasses to 2027, Limited Edition Malibu 2 Wearable Planned for 2026

Highlights

• Meta has postponed its Phoenix mixed reality glasses launch to 2027.
• Phoenix is rumoured to feature a goggle-like design powered by an external puck, improving comfort, weight and thermal management.
• Meta plans a limited edition Malibu 2 wearable in 2026 and is developing its next-generation Quest headset.

Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 smart glasses recently went on sale in India, but the company’s next big wearable launch will now take longer than expected. A new report suggests that Meta has postponed its highly anticipated mixed reality smart glasses, code-named Phoenix, as the company aims to refine the product amid intensifying competition in the MR space. Alongside this, Meta is also said to be preparing a “limited edition” wearable reportedly named Malibu 2. It is expected to debut in 2026 and is in early development stages of its next-generation Quest headset. Here’s what we know so far.

Meta Has Delayed Phoenix Mixed Reality Glasses

According to Business Insider, which cites an internal memo from Maher Saba, VP of Reality Labs Foundation, Meta has moved the Phoenix mixed reality glasses launch to 2027. The product was initially slated for release in the second half of 2026, but the company now believes it needs additional time to refine the experience.

Another internal memo from metaverse leaders Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns highlights the reasoning behind the delay. They stated that extending the timeline is “going to give us a lot more breathing room to get the details right.”

They added, “there is a lot is coming in hot with tight bring-up schedules and big changes to our core UX, and we won’t compromise on delivering a fully polished and reliable experience.”

The news comes shortly after Meta launched the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 smart glasses in India, priced at Rs. 39,900. Co-developed with EssilorLuxottica, the AI-powered smart eyewear made its global debut in September as the successor to the Ray-Ban Meta Gen 1.

Project Phoenix – What to Expect?

The Phoenix mixed reality glasses are rumoured to feature a goggle-like design connected to an external puck that powers the device. This design choice reportedly improves comfort, reduces overall weight, and enhances thermal management. The form factor is said to resemble Apple’s Vision Pro headset.

Malibu 2 Wearable Expected in 2026

VP Maher Saba also mentioned that Meta plans to introduce a new “limited edition” wearable device in 2026, internally referred to as Malibu 2. Beyond this, Meta has already started working on its next-generation Quest headset, which is expected to deliver major improvements in both performance and cost efficiency.

In a memo, executives Gabriel Aul and Ryan Cairns revealed that the upcoming Quest will prioritise immersive gaming and will represent a “large upgrade” over current models.

FAQs

Q1. When will Meta’s Phoenix mixed reality glasses launch?

Answer. Meta has delayed the Phoenix mixed reality glasses to 2027, moving it from the originally planned 2026 release to allow more time for refinement.

Q2. What design features are expected in the Phoenix glasses?

Answer. Phoenix is rumoured to have a goggle-like design connected to an external puck, improving comfort, reducing weight, and enhancing thermal management, similar to Apple’s Vision Pro.

Q3. What other devices is Meta planning before Phoenix?

Answer. Meta is preparing a limited edition Malibu 2 wearable for 2026 and developing its next-generation Quest headset, which will focus on immersive gaming and improved performance at lower cost.

Also Read –

https://www.mymobileindia.com/meta-ai-brings-upi-lite-hindi-support-and-deepika-padukones-voice-to-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses-in-india/

https://www.mymobileindia.com/meta-unveiled-second-gen-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses-and-ray-ban-display-ar-glasses-at-connect-2025/