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  • Meta Quest 4 might come out in 2026, with two different versions of the headset expected.
  • The price of the new headset may be about the same as the Quest 3, starting around $500.
  • It could have new features like eye tracking, better battery life, and improved mixed-reality capabilities.

The Meta Quest 4 mixed-reality headset is rumored to be in development, expected to replace Meta Quest 3 for those looking to upgrade, likely featuring some hardware improvements. Although Meta has not confirmed the new model, reports suggest there could be two versions planned.

When Will the Meta Quest 4 Be Released?

Similar to the Meta Quest Pro 2, no official announcements have been made about the release date for Meta Quest 4. Most estimates predict a launch in either 2025 or 2026, potentially aligning with that year’s Meta Connect event.

A report from The Information suggests that a 2026 release is more likely. Additionally, it anticipates two versions of the Meta Quest 4 (a standard model and a premium version) to become available.

Lifewire’s Release Date Estimate

Despite interest in a 2025 launch, Lifewire estimates a 2026 release date. This is mainly due to the lack of any official word from Meta as 2024 approaches its end.

Meta Quest 4 Price Rumors

Pricing is also challenging to determine, but it’s likely that Meta will aim to keep the Quest 4’s price near the $499.99 MSRP of the Meta Quest 3, especially if a standard and premium release is planned.

It can be assumed that the standard version will remain around $500, similar to the Quest 3, while the premium model may cost $50 to $100 more. There is speculation that the rumored cancellation of the Quest Pro 2 (possibly addressed by Meta’s CTO, Andrew Bosworth, in a Threads post) is related to this premium version.

The two-model rumor could indicate a significant difference between Quest 4 models, with the premium edition possibly incorporating what might have been Quest Pro 2 technologies. We will only know for sure once Meta makes an official announcement.

Pre-Order Information

As Meta has not announced details about Meta Quest 4, no information on pre-orders is available at this time. However, similar to previous Meta Quest headsets, pre-orders will likely become available through the official website, potentially coinciding with the official announcement.

Meta Quest 4 Features

The features of Meta Quest 4 will likely be similar to, yet slightly improved over, Meta Quest 3. It’s unlikely that Meta would restrict access to its existing software library, so hundreds of apps and games should be usable immediately. Meta Quest 3 offers backward compatibility, and the same is expected for Quest 4. Furthermore:

  • PC support, probably using the same or a similar Meta Quest Link Cable and Air Link setup as Quest 3.
  • Mixed-reality passthrough to view 3D virtual objects in a real-world space.
  • Haptic feedback for the controllers.
  • Hand tracking capable of interpreting gestures for interaction and navigation.
  • Wi-Fi support.
  • In-unit data encryption and password protection for multiple user profiles.
  • More than two hours of battery life for gaming or media viewing. The rumored premium model may offer increased battery life.

Meta Quest 4 Specs and Hardware

The planned features for Meta Quest 4 (either potential model) remain speculative, but it’s likely the standard model will have slight improvements over Quest 3.

It’s probable that there will be 128GB and 512GB versions, with the larger storage option priced higher (perhaps $649.99 like the 512GB Quest 3?). Spatial audio from built-in stereo speakers also seems likely. Additionally, we may expect:

  • At least 8 GB of DRAM, though improvements between Quest 2 and Quest 3 suggest Quest 4 could have more. Presumably, the premium model will have over 8 GB, if such a model is indeed planned.
  • Full-color mixed reality cameras with approximately 18 pixels per degree (PPD), similar to Quest 3, with potential for higher PPD in the rumored premium model.
  • Continued use of the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 processor, currently in Quest 3, appears likely. However, a new Qualcomm Snapdragon chip could be available by the release time.
  • Continued support for refresh rates of 72 Hz, 80 Hz, 90 Hz, and 120 Hz is likely.
  • Eye tracking, absent in Meta Quest 3, could potentially be included in the supposed premium version of Quest 4.
  • Operates on Meta Horizon OS.

The Latest News About Meta Quest 4

You can find more news about virtual, augmented, and mixed reality right here at Lifewire. Here are some related stories about Meta headsets you might find interesting: