Oct 7, 2024 1:00:00 PM

Meta Quest 4: Expected Release Date, Features, and More

Get ready for the next big leap in virtual reality with the Meta Quest 4. Discover all the anticipated features, release date, and more.

Meta Quest 4 Expected Launch Date and Features

The highly anticipated Meta Quest 4 is expected to launch in 2026, aligning with Meta’s established three-year release cycle for its VR headsets. Following the announcement of the Meta Quest 3 in 2023, the Quest 4 is likely to debut around September 2026, consistent with Meta’s past release patterns. This timeline supports Meta's strategy of regularly introducing cutting-edge VR technology to remain competitive and push the boundaries of VR innovation.

Dual Variants: Meta Quest 4 and Quest 4S

Meta may plan to simultaneously release the Meta Quest 4 alongside a budget-friendly variant, the Quest 4S, in early 2026. The 4S will offer a more accessible price point by scaling back some premium features, appealing to a broader audience. This dual-release strategy reflects Meta’s ambition to dominate both the high-end and budget segments of the VR market, ensuring a comfortable experience for user needs.

Advancing the Meta Ecosystem

Advancing VR Technology

In addition to the Quest 4 lineup, Meta is rumoured to be developing better smart glasses and mixed-reality devices, expanding its ecosystem of immersive products. These Meta headsets aim to integrate advanced XR technology, blending virtual and augmented reality for smoother VR sessions and real-world interactions.

Anticipated Features of the Meta Quest 4

Eye Tracking and Advanced Lenses
The Quest 4 is expected to reintroduce eye-tracking technology, last seen in the Quest Pro. This feature, likely exclusive to the premium model, will enhance VR apps and games. The device may also feature upgraded lenses, improving clarity, sharpness, and the field of view, offering a more immersive and lifelike experience.
Processing Power
Meta is anticipated to continue using Snapdragon-based SoCs in its Quest headsets, ensuring smoother performance and the ability to handle complex VR apps and environments.
Integration of Meta AI
Building on innovations from previous Quest headsets and Meta smart glasses by Ray-Ban, AI capabilities are expected to be incorporated into the Quest 4, enhancing usability and interactivity across VR sessions.

Expanding Boundaries of VR

With the Meta Quest 4 prototype reportedly focusing on significant upgrades in hardware, visual fidelity, and user comfort, this successor to the Quest 3 is poised to set new standards for virtual reality. Reports suggest the inclusion of features tailored for both gaming and professional applications, providing a glimpse into the future of immersive technology.

As the potential Meta Quest 4 launch in 2026 approaches, articles and updates will continue to shed light on its specifications, features, and capabilities. With this release, Meta aims to redefine the VR landscape, delivering an unparalleled experience that balances innovation and accessibility.

Storage and Variants to Expect in the Meta Quest 4

The highly anticipated Meta Quest 4 is rumoured to offer two storage options: 256 GB and 512 GB, catering to users who require ample space for large apps, games, and Meta AI tools. As the size of VR games continues to grow and AI-driven features become more integral to the VR experience, these storage capacities are expected to meet the needs of both casual gamers and enterprise users.

Expandable Storage: Still Uncertain

While there is no confirmed information about whether the Quest 4 will support expandable storage, the initial options of 256 GB and 512 GB should suffice for most users. These storage tiers demonstrate Meta’s focus on providing robust performance, particularly for gamers and professionals who rely on resource-intensive applications.

Key Specs and Features

Processor and Performance: The Quest 4 is expected to feature the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, delivering superior processing power and seamless performance for demanding VR applications.
OLED Displays: The headset is likely to include OLED displays, providing sharper visuals, enhanced resolution, and vibrant colors for a more immersive experience.
Integration with Meta AI: Advanced AI tools, previously seen in Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, are expected to enhance usability and functionality.
Price Predictions: While exact pricing remains uncertain, the Quest 4 is likely to be competitively priced compared to its rivals, such as the Apple Vision Pro. Reports suggest that Meta may introduce the Quest 4 at a more affordable cost, solidifying its position in the mixed-reality market.

Meta’s Expanding Ecosystem

The Meta Quest 4 is expected to work in harmony with other Meta devices, such as the Orion AR glasses, reflecting the company’s vision of creating a seamless blend of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) environments. This holistic approach aims to deliver interactive, immersive experiences that cater to both entertainment and professional use cases.

Release Date and Competitive Positioning

With the Meta Quest 4 release date anticipated in 2026, the headset is poised to compete directly with devices like the Apple Vision Pro. Its combination of high-end specs, competitive price points, and a focus on usability makes it a strong contender in the evolving XR landscape.

Stay tuned for further news, predictions, and official announcements as the release date approaches, and prepare for a VR headset that promises to redefine performance, resolution, and user experience.

Innovative Accessories and Enhancements in the Meta Quest 4

The elite straps for handheld controllers, a well-loved feature from the Meta Quest Pro , w ere notably absent in the Meta Quest 3 and 3S models. However, there's speculation that these elite straps could make a return with the Meta Quest 4, offering users enhanced comfort and improved usability, particularly for extended gaming and virtual experiences. This would be a welcome hardware upgrade for those who prioritise ergonomics in their virtual reality headsets.

In addition to the possible reintroduction of elite straps, the Meta Quest 4 may also feature improved head straps, ensuring a better fit and increased stability during use. With Meta's ongoing plans to lead the VR market, such hardware upgrades could significantly elevate the overall user experience, making the headset more appealing for both casual users and VR enthusiasts alike.

Meta may also be exploring new types of controllers, designed to enhance precision, control, and responsiveness in virtual environments. These advancements would not only improve gaming but also other applications in the Meta Horizon ecosystem, such as social interactions, productivity tools, and mixed-reality collaborations.

As Meta continues to compete with Apple and its Vision Pro, these potential hardware upgrades could be crucial in distinguishing the Meta Quest 4 from its competitors. With the virtual reality landscape evolving rapidly, Meta is expected to focus on enhancing both the comfort and functionality of its VR headsets, positioning the Quest 4 as a top contender in the next generation of immersive technologies.

How to Prepare for the Arrival of Meta Quest 4

While the Meta Quest 4 is still a few years away, it's never too early to start preparing for its arrival. Keeping an eye on official announcements from Meta is crucial for staying updated on any news regarding features, specs, or pre-order information.

In the meantime, getting familiar with current models like the Meta Quest 3 and Meta Quest 3S can provide valuable insights into what to expect from future iterations. These headsets offer impressive features like high-resolution displays and mixed-reality capabilities, giving users a taste of what Meta could build upon for the Quest 4. For instance, the Quest Pro has introduced advanced VR and AR functionalities, and this evolution is likely to continue with the upcoming model.

Additionally, comparing the Quest lineup to other options, such as the PlayStation VR2, can help users understand where the Quest 4 might fit in terms of performance and PC VR compatibility. Meta has a history of integrating features like Link Cable support, allowing users to connect to gaming PCs for high-quality VR experiences. This feature is expected to be refined and expanded in future models, further enhancing its use in PC VR gaming.

As Meta continues to innovate and advance the VR market, staying up-to-date on the latest news and specs from Meta Connect and other events will ensure you're well-prepared for the next-generation Oculus Quest. By familiarising yourself with the current technology, you'll be ready to make the most of the Meta Quest 4 when it finally launches.

How much will Meta Quest 4 cost?

In such a situation, we can probably assume that Meta's plan for the Meta Quest 4 is to keep the price of the standard version around £499, similar to the Meta Quest 3. Meta has typically aimed to balance affordability and cutting-edge technology in its VR headsets, making the Quest lineup accessible to a broad audience while still delivering impressive features.

One potential addition to the Meta Quest 4 could be a strap with a built-in battery, a feature previously seen in high-end models like the Quest Pro. This would enhance the headset's battery life, especially for power users who engage in cloud gaming or resource-heavy applications. As Reality Labs continues to refine VR technology, we may also see improvements like eye tracking, which could enhance both gaming and productivity by allowing more intuitive control and interaction within virtual environments.

Meta is also likely to keep the Quest 4 competitive with other Oculus devices by further integrating cloud gaming services, enabling users to access high-quality games without the need for a powerful PC. This would align with Meta's plans to push the Quest platform forward as a versatile, all-in-one virtual reality solution.

With all these expected enhancements, Meta could position the Meta Quest 4 as a top-tier headset without drastically increasing its price, making it a highly anticipated product for both casual users and VR enthusiasts. Keep an eye on upcoming Reality Labs announcements for more details as the release approaches.