Leaked images reveal Meta's slim 'Project Phoenix' mixed reality headset

Leaked images have surfaced showing Meta's upcoming mixed reality headset, codenamed 'Project Phoenix', ahead of its expected reveal at Meta Connect on September 23. The images, discovered by UploadVR in a HorizonOS app called 'HorizonOS Prescription Lens,' reveal a glasses-like form factor that is slimmer than the Quest 3, with nose pads, outward- and downward-facing cameras, and a cable extending from one earpiece Source: engadgetSource: theverge. The headset is expected to rely on a tethered connection to a separate compute puck, similar to Xreal's Aura glasses Source: gizmodo.

Design and features

The leaked images show a device that sits between bulky VR headsets and lightweight smart glasses, with lenses set into a slim frame Source: theverge. The front of the headset is not visible, but it likely includes cameras for hand-tracking controls rather than a dedicated controller Source: engadget. The tethered design aligns with previous rumors, and the compute puck is expected to be roughly phone-sized Source: gizmodo.

Release and expectations

Project Phoenix is not expected to launch until the first half of 2027, after Meta reportedly pushed back its original timeline Source: engadget. However, Meta may tease the device at Connect, which starts September 23 Source: engadgetSource: gizmodo. The headset is expected to function similarly to the Quest 3, using XR passthrough rather than AR Source: gizmodo. Google is also working on similar glasses, Project Aura XR, with an external compute puck Source: theverge.