The Quest Pro 2 has been shelved as Meta shifts its gears to focus on its 3rd generation of the Quest line of AR/VR/MR headsets. News of Meta’s change in priorities is not a completely unforeseen decision given that the Quest 3 is already said to be launching with impressive specs and at a competitive price. The Quest Pro launched in October 2022 with a price tag of $1,499, which was then lowered to $1,000, and while that may now seem like a low price compared to Apple’s recently announced $3,499 Vision Pro, consumers could show more interest in a more affordable $499 option that will be provided by the Quest 3.
Other factors in the decision are said to include issues potential technological defects during manufacturing and desired performance. Meta had been working with British firm Plessey to use its AR microLED tech which offered a brighter image but then chose to go back to using LCoS, or liquid crystal, over concerns of defects during the manufacturing process. Meanwhile, ZDNet (via The Information) reports that the aforementioned Quest Pro will continue to be made for as long as manufacturers have supplies to do so. The Quest 3 is expected to launch sometime in Fall 2023.
Per ZDNet:
“Reports from The Information claim that Goertek, the Quest Pro manufacturer, will only build headsets as long as the available material supply allows. Meta told its suppliers as early as the beginning of the year that it would not need any new components for the Quest Pro.”
Expanding Market
As Meta shifts its gears with its headset lineup, and Apple prepares to launch its Vision Pro, while Google, HTC, and other companies, prepare their next line of AR/VR/MR headsets it’s clear that the market continues to show promise for manufacturers. Headset display technology is continuing to make strides with 8K lenses and improved image processing. However, higher-priced models are becoming more commonplace so Meta could be looking at taking advantage of the lower-priced segment for a greater amount of sales there.