Meta Prepares 2026 XR Headset with Lightweight Design and External Compute Unit

According to a Wall Street Journal report, Meta is preparing to release a new XR headset in 2026, codenamed ‘Loma’, featuring a lightweight and thin form factor that resembles a pair of eyeglasses. The headset will be powered by an external ‘compute puck’—a pocket-sized device more powerful than the Quest 3. This marks a shift away from Meta’s previous all-in-one design philosophy seen in the Quest line. The device is expected to be priced under $1,000.

To support the launch, Meta is reportedly negotiating with major entertainment studios such as Disney and A24 to produce immersive, possibly exclusive XR content. These partnerships aim to position the new headset as a compelling alternative to the Apple Vision Pro and other upcoming devices. The inclusion of a compute puck is intended to offload weight from the user’s head, making the device more comfortable, though the trade-off may be usability challenges like cables and pocket storage.

Meanwhile, the Quest 4, which was rumored for a 2026 release, has been postponed to 2027, allowing Meta and Qualcomm to better align future chip releases. Analysts expect that Meta’s ‘Loma’ headset will target productivity and media consumption rather than gaming, and feature advanced sensors, audio, and passthrough capabilities.