Meta pulls the plug on the Quest Pro VR headset

On January 7, 2025, Meta announced the discontinuation of its high-end Quest Pro virtual reality headset. Originally launched in October 2022 at a hefty price of $1,499, the headset's sales performance did not meet expectations. In March 2023, the price was slashed to $999, reflecting its struggles in the competitive VR market. The announcement on the product page clearly stated that the Quest Pro is no longer available for purchase, indicating Meta's pivot in strategy towards more commercially viable products. The Quest Pro was notable for its eye-tracking capabilities, which allowed it to estimate where users are looking. This technology differentiated it from competitors, like the Apple Vision Pro, which was released in February 2024 and utilized similar features to enhance user experience. The launch of Apple Vision Pro reaffirmed the challenges faced by high-end VR headsets, revealing consumers' hesitance towards expensive options in this rapidly evolving market. Furthermore, reports had suggested that Meta was considering the development of an updated model named Quest Pro 2, codenamed 'La Jolla,' with a release slated for 2027. However, the development of this device was ultimately canceled, marking a definitive end to Meta's high-end VR ambitions for the time being. As established by recent industry trends, companies are recognizing the importance of aligning their product offerings with consumer purchasing behavior and interests. Meta's decision marks a substantial shift in its approach, directing its focus toward products with a higher likelihood of consumer acceptance. While the Quest Pro’s capabilities demonstrated technical advancements in virtual reality, the failure to resonate with the broader market indicates that a more strategic alignment with consumer expectations may lead to future successes in the VR/AR sector.