The Meta Quest 4 release date is one of the most searched topics among VR fans right now, and the answer is not simple. Meta has not made an official announcement, so most of what you read online comes from leaks, internal memos, and comments from company executives. This article breaks down what is confirmed, what is likely, and what you should actually expect before you decide to wait for the next headset or buy a Quest 3 today.
What We Know So Far
Meta has not confirmed a release date, name, price, or spec sheet for the Quest 4. The closest thing to an official statement came from Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth, who told journalist Alex Heath that the company has two devices on its roadmap that are coming out over time. When pressed for a timeline, Bosworth avoided giving a clear answer and only said it could be anytime.
Industry outlets that track Reality Labs leaks, including UploadVR, now expect the traditional gaming-focused Quest 4 to arrive in the second half of 2027 at the earliest. A separate, lighter mixed reality headset is expected to land earlier, sometime in the first half of 2027. Some reports even push the full Quest 4 launch into 2028, depending on how Meta’s plans continue to shift.
Why the Release Keeps Getting Delayed
Meta originally planned a 2026 launch under two codenames, Pismo Low and Pismo High, following its usual three-year hardware cycle. Those plans were scrapped, and the project restarted under a new codename, Griffin. This kind of restart adds real delay, since it often means new hardware choices and a new development timeline.
Several other factors are slowing things down too. Reality Labs has faced major losses, leading to layoffs and budget cuts across the division. At the same time, Meta is shifting more attention and money toward AI smart glasses, which are selling well and growing fast. Rising competition from Apple, Samsung, and Valve is also pushing Meta to rethink its next headset instead of rushing it out.
Two Headsets Instead of One
Leaks suggest Meta is no longer building a single Quest 4 headset. Instead, the company appears to be working on two separate products. The first is an ultralight headset, sometimes called Puffin or Phoenix, that connects to a small compute puck worn on your belt or kept in your pocket. This design keeps the headset itself light, since the puck handles battery and processing power.
The second product is the traditional Quest 4, known internally as Griffin. This one follows the classic Quest design: an all-in-one headset with everything built inside, no external puck needed. It will likely be heavier than the ultralight model but more powerful, and it will continue Quest’s focus on full VR gaming rather than lightweight mixed reality.
Expected Price and Specs
Nothing about the Quest 4 price or specs is official yet, but industry reports give a reasonable picture. Analysts expect the headset to run on a Snapdragon XR2 Gen 3 chip, since Meta has publicly recommitted to Qualcomm instead of building fully custom silicon in the near term. This chip should bring stronger CPU and GPU performance, along with a dedicated processor for AI features.
Display upgrades are also expected. Several reports point to dual 4K micro-OLED panels, which would be a notable jump over the Quest 3’s LCD screens. Micro-OLED technology costs more to produce, which is one reason analysts expect the Quest 4 price to land higher than the Quest 3, possibly in the $700 to $800 range.
Should You Wait or Buy Now
If you are shopping for a headset today, waiting for the Quest 4 means waiting at least until late 2027, and possibly into 2028. The Quest 3 and Quest 3S are not going to become outdated anytime soon, and both remain solid choices for gaming, mixed reality, and everyday VR use. The Quest 3S in particular offers strong value at a lower price point.
Buyers who want the newest technology and do not mind paying a premium can reasonably wait, since the rumored 4K displays and faster chip would be real upgrades. Everyone else is better off buying a Quest 3 or 3S now and upgrading later, once Meta actually confirms a release date and price.
Final Thoughts
The Meta Quest 4 is real and still on Meta’s roadmap, but it is far from ready. Expect a launch no earlier than late 2027, with two separate devices rather than one, and a higher price tag than previous models. Until Meta makes an official announcement, treat every rumor as a possibility, not a promise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Meta Quest 4 officially confirmed?
Meta has not officially confirmed the Quest 4 by name, price, or date. CTO Andrew Bosworth has confirmed that new headsets are on the roadmap, but he has not given a timeline.
When will the Meta Quest 4 release?
Current leaks point to the second half of 2027 at the earliest, with some reports suggesting the launch could slip into 2028.
Will Meta release one headset or two?
Reports indicate Meta is developing two separate devices, an ultralight headset with a compute puck and a traditional all-in-one Quest 4.
How much will the Meta Quest 4 cost?
There is no official price yet, but analysts expect a range of $700 to $800 due to the rumored micro-OLED displays.
Should I buy a Quest 3 instead of waiting for Quest 4?
Yes, if you want a headset now. The Quest 3 and Quest 3S remain strong options, and the Quest 4 is unlikely to arrive before late 2027.
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