If you've been holding out for the next big VR headset upgrade, you might need to adjust your timeline. Both Meta and Apple — the two biggest players in the VR headset market — have hit the brakes on their next-generation devices, signaling a dramatic strategic pivot in the XR industry.
Meta Quest 4: Delayed Until 2027-2028
The Meta Quest 4, codenamed "Griffin", has been rebooted from scratch. Originally targeting a 2026 release, the project has been pushed back to late 2027 or even 2028 as Meta redirects engineering resources toward AI-integrated smart glasses.
This doesn't mean Meta is abandoning VR. The Quest 3 and Quest 3S continue to receive robust software updates and remain the best-selling standalone VR headsets on the market. Meta has also separated its Quest VR platform from its social "Worlds" platform to sharpen its developer focus, and released new agentic AI tools to help developers build WebXR experiences more efficiently.
For VR content consumers, the Quest 3S remains an exceptional value. With access to thousands of immersive experiences — including over 48,000 VR videos in up to 8K resolution at xMonter.com — there's never been a better time to dive into VR on existing hardware.
Apple Vision Pro: Development Paused
After the M5 chip refresh in late 2025 failed to significantly boost consumer adoption (largely due to the $3,499 price tag and weight), Apple has halted development on both the Vision Pro 2 and the rumored budget-friendly "Vision Air."
Instead, Apple is doubling down on:
- VisionOS 26: New spatial widgets, enhanced Personas, and AI-generated subtitles for personal videos
- Accessibility features: Including eye-tracking-controlled wheelchair navigation
- 3D content library: Positioning Vision Pro as the premier destination for 3D theatrical releases like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Smart glasses R&D: Testing four different smart glasses designs for a future product line
What's Filling the Void? The Quest 3S Golden Era
With no major new headsets on the immediate horizon, the industry is in what analysts are calling a "content golden age." Without new hardware to develop for, studios and developers are focused on pushing the boundaries of what existing devices can deliver.
May 2026 alone has been one of the most packed months for VR releases in years:
- FlatOut 4: Total Insanity VR — destruction-racing in VR (PC VR)
- Roboquest VR — fast-paced roguelite shooter (Quest)
- A Long Survive — co-op survival horde shooter (PC VR, PS VR2)
- Spymaster — espionage thriller from the A Fisherman's Tale devs
And it's not just gaming. Premium VR content studios are investing heavily in 8K production, delivering visuals that rival — and sometimes surpass — traditional media. Discover the best of what modern VR has to offer at xMonter.com — the largest premium VR library on the web.
Valve's Wild Card: Steam Controller & Beyond
While Meta and Apple recalibrate, Valve is making moves. The new Steam Controller launched May 4 to overwhelming demand, selling out in 30 minutes with its TMR magnetic thumbsticks and dual haptic trackpads. The gaming community continues to buzz about the anticipated "Steam Frame" (codenamed Deckard) — a potential PC VR headset that could reshape the high-end VR market.
Our Take: The Best Time to Get Into VR Is Right Now
Here's the paradox: the delay of next-gen headsets is actually great news for consumers. The Quest 3S is more affordable and capable than ever, the content library is exploding, and you won't feel the sting of your hardware being instantly obsoleted by a new release.
If you've been on the fence about VR, now is the time to jump in. And when you do, make sure to bookmark xMonter.com — with 48,000+ premium VR videos in stunning 8K resolution and daily updates, it's the ultimate destination for immersive VR entertainment.
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