Meta Quest 4: Delayed Launch, New VR Device, and Next-Gen Features
wp:paragraph
Meta is shifting gears with its virtual reality plans. The highly anticipated Meta Quest 4 may not arrive until 2027, but leaks and research reveal both delays and exciting new developments.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
A slimmer prototype with advanced visuals and a lightweight headset called Puffin are pointing toward the next stage of VR.
/wp:paragraph
wp:image {“id”:97731,”sizeSlug”:”large”,”linkDestination”:”none”,”align”:”center”}
/wp:image
wp:heading
Release Shift and Canceled Prototypes
/wp:heading
wp:paragraph
Reports suggest the release of Meta Quest 4 is being moved from 2026 to 2027.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Two planned headsets, internally known as Pismo Low and Pismo High, have been canceled. These were intended as mid-range and high-end models similar to the Quest 3 lineup.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Instead, Meta is working on a premium device with fresh design elements, expected to debut in 2026.
/wp:paragraph
wp:heading
Puffin: The Lightweight Alternative
/wp:heading
wp:paragraph
While the Meta Quest 4 is delayed, another headset could arrive sooner. Codenamed Puffin, this device is said to be much lighter, shaped like goggles, and powered by an external compute puck.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The puck, small enough to carry in a pocket, supplies the processing power and reduces headset weight.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Unlike traditional VR models, Puffin is rumored to focus less on gaming. Instead, it is expected to highlight multi-screen setups for both work and entertainment.
/wp:paragraph
wp:heading
Features Inspired by Apple Vision Pro
/wp:heading
wp:paragraph
Puffin appears similar to Apple’s Vision Pro, which uses an external battery.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
However, Meta’s version would connect directly to the puck, making it unique in function. The absence of controllers also sets it apart, relying fully on hand-tracking technology.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Here’s a quick comparison:
/wp:paragraph
wp:table
| Device | Key Element | Main Focus | External Component |
| Meta Puffin (2026) | Lightweight goggle design | Screens & productivity | Compute puck for power |
| Meta Quest 4 (2027) | Full VR headset | Wide gaming features | Standalone system |
| Apple Vision Pro | Premium AR/VR headset | Immersive mixed reality | External battery unit |
/wp:table
wp:heading
Wider Vision in Future Prototypes
/wp:heading
wp:paragraph
At the same time, researchers at Meta Reality Labs are developing prototypes with a much wider field of view.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Current headsets like the Quest 3 offer around 110 degrees, but the prototype expands this to 180 degrees.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
For perspective, human vision usually covers about 200 degrees.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
This means future Meta headsets could give users a far more natural experience. Unlike bulky devices such as the Pimax, Meta’s version manages to remain slim.
/wp:paragraph
wp:heading
Enhanced Passthrough and Display
/wp:heading
wp:paragraph
The prototype also features sharper passthrough visuals. Cameras can reportedly deliver over 80 megapixels at 60fps, allowing real-world surroundings to appear more lifelike.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
This improvement brings digital overlays closer to science-fiction style interfaces.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
Such updates reduce the sense of simply watching a scene. Instead, users feel more present inside it, making mixed reality smoother and more engaging.
/wp:paragraph
wp:heading
What It Means for Meta Quest 4
/wp:heading
wp:paragraph
These innovations strongly suggest that Meta Quest 4 will carry advanced vision and passthrough upgrades.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
The prototype was compared directly to the Quest 3, showing the dramatic jump in viewing angles.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
However, with Meta also pushing its smart glasses and the Puffin headset, the launch of Quest 4 might take longer. A realistic timeframe points to 2027.
/wp:paragraph
wp:heading
The Road Ahead
/wp:heading
wp:paragraph
The coming years are shaping up to be crucial for VR and AR. Alongside Meta’s Puffin and Meta Quest 4, other competitors such as Valve’s Deckard and Asus’ Horizon OS headset are expected.
/wp:paragraph
wp:paragraph
By combining a delayed flagship device with smaller, experimental models, Meta seems to be preparing for a future where VR and AR blend seamlessly into everyday life.
/wp:paragraph
Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”