Lighter than Quest 3 but with external 'puck': Insider details next Meta headset release before rumoured 2026 launch

Earlier this year, Meta introduced the Quest 3S Xbox Edition as a limited edition and Xbox-themed alternative to the standard Quest 3S (curr. $249 on Amazon). Around the same time, UploadVR claimed to have discovered details about what was originally considered a Quest 3 successor.

However, VR insider Nima Zeighami has now shed new light on the state of Meta's VR headsets going forward and how they will differ from recent Quest releases. Posting on X, Zeighami reports that Meta does not plan to offer its next headset as a direct Quest 3 successor. In fact, they assert that Meta will sidestep the Quest name altogether.

Instead, they believe that Meta will finally adopt its branding in its entirety, although Zeighami is still referring to the device as 'the next Meta headset' for now. As the embedded tweet below shows, Zeighami adds that the headset will retail for around $800, perhaps without controllers too.

As a way to offset this price, Meta is reportedly set to include much higher resolution displays with improved eye and face tracking. Not only that, but the next Meta headset is said to be lighter than the Quest 3, which weighs around 515 g. Potentially, Meta will achieve this by offloading some components to an external 'puck' accessory, though. Currently, Meta will launch its next headset next year, with a true Quest 4 potentially due for the year after.