Apple's Vision Pro mixed reality headset was unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June, presenting a direct challenge to Meta, the leading VR manufacturer. Now, Meta appears poised to respond with its own mixed-reality headset, reportedly in collaboration with LG. This upcoming headset is expected to debut in 2025 as a successor to Meta's high-end Quest Pro virtual reality headset, with an estimated price tag of $2,000.
According to a report from Maeil Business Newspaper, Meta has teamed up with LG to develop future iterations of the Quest Pro headset. LG Electronics is set to oversee production, potentially utilizing display components from LG Display, while LG Energy and LG Innotek will supply batteries and other critical components. This premium headset is tentatively named "Meta Quest 4 Pro."
The first headset resulting from Meta and LG's partnership is anticipated to be officially unveiled in 2025, priced at approximately $2,000. Currently, Meta's flagship VR headset, the Meta Quest Pro, is listed at $999.99, a significant drop from its initial launch price of $1,499.99.
In addition to the rumored Meta Quest 4 Pro, Meta is reportedly eyeing the release of a budget-friendly Quest headset in 2024, priced under $200. For reference, the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset, introduced in 2020, currently retails for $299.99.
Meta has a history of partnering with leading consumer electronics companies to release innovative headsets. The Oculus Go, for instance, was a joint venture between Meta and Xiaomi, while the Oculus Rift S was co-designed and manufactured with Lenovo.
Meta's strategic move is likely to position the forthcoming high-end Quest Pro virtual reality headset in direct competition with Apple's recently revealed Vision Pro headset. Apple's offering, priced at $3,499, is slated to hit the US market in 2024, running on visionOS and featuring two high-resolution micro-OLED displays powered by Apple's M2 and a new R1 chipset.