A report in The Information brings glum news for yet another MicroLED near-eye display. Project La Jolla, a high-end mixed reality (MR) headset that Meta was developing, was intended to be a significant leap forward in the company’s AR/VR ambitions. The device was designed to offer an advanced, immersive experience, utilizing cutting-edge MicroOLED technology. Meta aimed to keep the cost of the headset under $1,000, a challenging target given the rising production costs of these sophisticated displays.
However, the project has faced significant hurdles. The initial launch of Meta’s Quest Pro in October 2022, which was priced at $1,499.99, did not meet market expectations. Despite the device’s full-color mixed reality capabilities, the high price point and lackluster user experience led to widespread criticism. Even after several price cuts, the Quest Pro failed to gain traction in the market, leading to its production line being shut down in mid-2023.
The situation grew more complicated with the introduction of Apple’s Vision Pro in February 2024. Initially, Meta saw Apple’s entry into the space as a challenge that reignited their commitment to the Quest Pro 2, a project that had been previously shelved. However, despite the buzz surrounding Apple’s Vision Pro, the market’s response was lukewarm at best, with interest quickly waning. This decline in enthusiasm cast further doubt on the viability of launching a high-end MR headset in the near future.
Ultimately, Meta has now decided to halt the development of Project La Jolla. The decision, although significant, has been downplayed by the company. In response to reports about the cancellation, Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, Andrew Bosworth, explained that the company routinely develops various prototypes, only moving forward with those deemed viable. He emphasized that decisions like these are a regular part of the development process and that individual project cancellations do not necessarily reflect the broader direction of the company’s AR/VR strategy.
Meta still has plans for a new AR glasses, a Quest 4 headset in 2026, and a budget Quest headsets before the end of the year.
