Meta Expects 2025 to Define the Future of Its AR/VR Strategy, Says CTO

Andrew ‘Boz’ Bosworth, Meta’s CTO and one of its early engineers, recently described 2025 as a defining year for Reality Labs, Meta’s AR/VR division. In a Bloomberg interview, Boz explained that the success or failure of Meta’s efforts in the metaverse space could hinge on this year’s progress. He emphasized that while competition from companies like Google and Apple is ramping up, what truly matters is Meta’s execution of its internal strategy. Meta’s Ray-Ban AI glasses, launched in October 2023, have already sold over 2 million units, surpassing traditional Ray-Ban models even before full AI features were introduced. Competitors are taking notice—Google is partnering with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker, and Apple is preparing smart glasses for 2026. Boz believes that consumer excitement and competitive interest validate Meta’s path, but the true indicator of success will be broader market adoption. He highlighted that hardware markets tend to lag in response, so early signs must be interpreted carefully. Boz reiterated advice from former COO Sheryl Sandberg, noting that failure often stems not from being beaten by competitors but from poor internal execution. With ambitious plans in place for 2025, Meta will assess its performance by year-end, while the long-term verdict on success will take years to materialize.