Meta Quest 4: Delayed Launch, New VR Device, and Next-Gen Features

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.

A slimmer prototype with advanced visuals and a lightweight headset called Puffin are pointing toward the next stage of VR.

Release Shift and Canceled Prototypes

Reports suggest the release of Meta Quest 4 is being moved from 2026 to 2027.

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.

Instead, Meta is working on a premium device with fresh design elements, expected to debut in 2026.

Puffin: The Lightweight Alternative

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.

The puck, small enough to carry in a pocket, supplies the processing power and reduces headset weight.

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.

Features Inspired by Apple Vision Pro

Puffin appears similar to Apple’s Vision Pro, which uses an external battery.

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.

Here’s a quick comparison:

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

Wider Vision in Future Prototypes

At the same time, researchers at Meta Reality Labs are developing prototypes with a much wider field of view.

Current headsets like the Quest 3 offer around 110 degrees, but the prototype expands this to 180 degrees.

For perspective, human vision usually covers about 200 degrees.

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.

Enhanced Passthrough and Display

The prototype also features sharper passthrough visuals. Cameras can reportedly deliver over 80 megapixels at 60fps, allowing real-world surroundings to appear more lifelike.

This improvement brings digital overlays closer to science-fiction style interfaces.

Such updates reduce the sense of simply watching a scene. Instead, users feel more present inside it, making mixed reality smoother and more engaging.

What It Means for Meta Quest 4

These innovations strongly suggest that Meta Quest 4 will carry advanced vision and passthrough upgrades.

The prototype was compared directly to the Quest 3, showing the dramatic jump in viewing angles.

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.

The Road Ahead

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.

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.