Meta appears to have accidentally revealed the design of its upcoming mixed reality headset, codenamed Project Phoenix, a little ahead of schedule. The leaked images offer a detailed look at the new lightweight device, which is significantly different from previous Quest products.
Meta appears to have accidentally revealed the design of its upcoming mixed reality headset, codenamed Project Phoenix, a little ahead of schedule. The leaked images offer a detailed look at the new lightweight device, which is significantly different from previous Quest products.
The image was first discovered by UploadVR in the files of the Meta app HorizonOS Prescription Lens, which was later removed and was designed for users who needed corrective optical lenses. Although the release was more of a stub, the code revealed images showing the device from different angles.
The leak confirms a rumor that has been circulating for over a year: Project Phoenix has a completely different form factor than traditional Quest headsets. The new gadget resembles massive glasses in design and is close to the Xreal Aura series devices.
The images clearly show a cable coming from the device, which is consistent with rumors that Phoenix will be powered by a separate computing unit (“puck”).
The images don't show the front of the headset, but the front panel is expected to feature cameras to track hand movements.
The gadget will most likely rely on hand tracking instead of physical joysticks. The program for the upcoming Meta Connect conference has already announced a session called “A Practical Guide to Controller-Free Interaction.”
Official confirmation or the first teaser for Project Phoenix may be shown at the annual Meta Connect developer conference, which starts on September 23.
A full release of the device is unlikely in the coming months — according to sources, the release of Project Phoenix has been postponed to the first half of 2027. However, Meta may use Connect for an official teaser and concept demonstration.
