Meta delays Phoenix mixed‑reality glasses to H1 2027 as it prioritizes polish

Meta has postponed the debut of its next mixed‑reality headset codenamed “Phoenix” to the first half of 2027 to allow more time to deliver a “polished and reliable experience,” according to internal memos reported by Business Insider. Executives said the extra runway will give Reality Labs more breathing room to refine hardware and software before launch.

The Phoenix project is rumored to use a goggle‑style form factor with an external battery pack — a design direction similar to other high‑end MR headsets. Meta is also said to be developing a limited‑edition wearable codenamed “Malibu 2,” and recently acquired AI wearable startup Limitless, which makes the clip‑on “Pendant” audio recorder and Rewind productivity tools. Those moves suggest Meta may expand beyond glasses and headsets into a broader family of AI‑enabled wearables.

Why the delay matters

• Product quality: Shipping with fewer bugs and a more refined user experience can reduce returns and negative reviews at launch.
• Hardware complexity: High‑end MR devices require tight integration of optics, sensors, power and software; extra development time can pay off in usability and reliability.
• Competitive timing: Delaying may miss short‑term windows but could avoid poor first impressions that harm long‑term adoption.

What the Limitless buy and “Malibu 2” hint at

Limitless’s expertise in audio capture and summarization (the Pendant) complements Meta’s ambitions for ambient AI assistants. Combining those capabilities with glasses or other small wearables could let Meta offer lightweight voice‑driven features without requiring users to wear full headsets.

Meanwhile, “Malibu 2” could represent a limited‑edition or companion device that broadens Meta’s product lineup beyond flagship MR hardware. Taken together, these steps point toward a strategy of offering multiple form factors — from goggles and glasses to clip‑on audio wearables — to reach different customer needs.

Open questions and risks

• Privacy: More ambient AI wearables (especially audio devices) raise concerns about always‑on recording, data handling and consent.
• Battery and ergonomics: External power packs can reduce weight but add complexity in daily use and portability.
• Market positioning: Delays may change how Meta competes with Apple, Snap and others — especially if rivals ship polished products earlier.

What to watch next

• Official product timelines and technical specs from Meta and Reality Labs.
• Details on Malibu 2 and how (or if) Limitless tech will be integrated into future hardware.
• Regulatory and privacy responses as Meta expands into ambient AI wearables.

For ongoing updates, follow official Meta channels and reporting from tech outlets covering Reality Labs developments.

Discussion: Do you prefer Meta to wait and ship a more polished MR device — or would you rather see faster launches even if they need iterative fixes? What wearable form factor would you actually use daily?