Recent widespread rumors suggest Meta is preparing a substantial redesign for its next virtual and mixed-reality headset, currently referred to as the Meta Quest 4. This complete overhaul is expected to bring a premium feature set and a noticeably higher cost compared to the popular Quest 3, pushing the device much closer to the high-end market. While the Meta Quest 3 launched at an approachable price of $499.99 (approximately ₹41,000, excluding local taxes and duties), the new device could cost around $800 (roughly ₹66,000) or even a bit more. That jump probably reflects Meta’s attempt to reposition the headset as a lighter, more capable piece of computing hardware, something that edges into the territory of premium devices like the Apple Vision Pro.
Key Takeaways
- The next Meta headset, rumored as the Meta Quest 4, is expected to feature a complete architectural redesign.
- Rumored price is around $800, a substantial jump from the Quest 3’s $499.99 price.
- The headset may adopt an ultra-lightweight form factor with an external “puck” holding the battery and main processor.
- New premium features are expected, including built-in eye-tracking and a high-resolution display, possibly Micro-OLED.
- The release is anticipated in late 2026 or even 2027, with the device potentially getting a new name.
A Radical Redesign Focuses on Comfort
Perhaps the most talked-about rumor involves a fundamental change in the headset’s design, which seems to focus heavily on weight reduction. Several reports hint that Meta is prioritizing an ultra-lightweight form factor, and it makes sense if you think about how long some people wear these devices. To accomplish this, the new headset may follow a strategy used by some high-end rivals by shifting the battery and main processing hardware into a separate external puck. This small, tethered compute unit would let the headset itself become far lighter and noticeably slimmer, something that could reduce fatigue during longer sessions.
Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s Chief Technology Officer, has already mentioned the company’s intent to emphasize lightness and smallness in future devices. It feels like Meta is steering its next headset away from being seen strictly as a gaming machine and heading toward a broader computing platform, which aligns with the direction of the new Meta Horizon OS. Better comfort and wearability will likely be essential if mixed-reality hardware is going to find wider adoption beyond the gaming community.
Premium Features Drive Up the Cost
The rumored higher price tag appears to be tied directly to a list of expected premium hardware upgrades. One of the most anticipated additions is eye-tracking. This feature, which previously appeared in the more expensive Meta Quest Pro, makes it possible to use foveated rendering, where the system only renders the part of the display you are actually looking at in full resolution. That method saves processing power while improving visual clarity overall. Eye-tracking also improves social presence in the metaverse, allowing for more natural eye and facial expression mirroring on avatars.
There are also reports pointing to a major display upgrade, with speculation that Meta could move from the current LCD panels to Micro-OLED screens. OLED tends to provide deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, and that can make a surprising difference in mixed-reality scenes that rely on realism. It would not be surprising if Meta also introduces improved spatial audio, more advanced hand tracking, and a new Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, most likely the next-generation XR series.
Right now, the Meta Quest 3 remains the mainstream option, starting at $499.99. If Meta jumps to an $800 price point, it suggests a new tier for its consumer VR hardware. The idea seems to be to offer something that feels much closer to professional-grade headsets but still well below the $3,500 Apple Vision Pro. Consumers in India should remember that import duties and taxes typically add quite a bit on top of the US price, so the final cost might end up significantly higher. All things considered, anyone hoping to upgrade might want to start saving early.
The headset is not expected to arrive until late 2026 or even 2027, which might indicate that Meta is taking extra time to refine this ambitious design. It’s a long wait, but if these rumors turn out to be accurate, the next-generation device could be quite a leap forward.
Related FAQs
Q: When will the Meta Quest 4 likely be released?
A: Current rumors suggest the release date for the next-generation Meta headset is likely in late 2026 or even 2027. Meta has not made any official announcement yet.
Q: Why is the price of the rumored Quest 4 so much higher than the Quest 3?
A: The higher rumored price, around $800, is due to the complete overhaul. It includes expensive premium hardware like eye-tracking, high-resolution Micro-OLED displays, and a new ultra-lightweight design enabled by an external battery and processor unit.
Q: Will the next Meta headset actually be called the Meta Quest 4?
A: Some reports suggest Meta might drop the “Quest” naming convention for its next high-end mixed-reality device. It may launch with a new name to better reflect its shift towards a premium computing platform.
Q: What is the biggest expected feature change in the new headset?
A: The biggest expected change is the new form factor. The headset is rumored to be much smaller and lighter by using a separate, external “puck” to house the battery and main processor, improving user comfort for extended use.
