Meta discontinues Quest Pro headset

Meta’s Quest Pro, once hailed as a groundbreaking headset for VR professionals, is no longer available. Meta has officially retired the device, redirecting consumers to its newer Quest 3 headset for a “premium mixed reality experience.”

Launched in October 2022, Meta Quest Pro was designed for “super users” with advanced features like facial and eye tracking and lighter, higher-resolution optical lenses. The device initially retailed for $1,500, targeting businesses and professional users. Despite its impressive specifications, the Quest Pro failed to resonate with its intended audience. The high price tag and limited adoption among professionals contributed to its decline.

In September, Meta announced its decision to phase out the Quest Pro alongside the Quest 2 and the 128GB version of Quest 3. By January, the official Quest Pro webpage confirmed the product’s discontinuation. As reported by RoadtoVR, Meta now invites consumers to explore the Quest 3 series, which aims to balance premium features with accessibility.

The Quest Pro’s discontinuation comes amid broader challenges in Meta’s Reality Labs division, responsible for AR/VR technology. Meta’s third-quarter earnings revealed a staggering $4.4 billion loss in this segment, marking its third consecutive quarterly loss in 2024. With total reported losses exceeding $12 billion for the year, Meta’s AR/VR ambitions face increasing scrutiny.

Despite setbacks, Meta remains committed to the AR/VR space, focusing on the Quest 3 and Quest 3S, which launched in October 2024. These devices aim to capture the broader consumer market by delivering enhanced experiences at a more affordable price point.

The Quest Pro’s withdrawal underscores the difficulties of carving out a niche in the professional VR market. As the industry evolves, companies like Meta must strike a delicate balance between innovation, affordability, and consumer demand to remain competitive.