Meta Pauses Horizon OS Expansion to Third-Party VR Headset Makers

Meta has halted its plan to share its Horizon OS software with other hardware companies. The decision was announced by a company spokesperson this week. The move pauses a key part of its metaverse strategy.

The initiative aimed to create a broader ecosystem of mixed-reality devices. According to TechCrunch, the company is now refocusing on its own first-party hardware and software. This signals a strategic shift in its virtual reality priorities.

Strategic Shift Follows Broader Corporate Pivot

Meta first announced the partner program in April of last year. It named several major partners, including Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft’s Xbox. The goal was to mirror the success of open platforms like Android in smartphones.

However, updates from these partners have been scarce since the initial announcement. The recent pause was first reported by the outlet Road to VR. A Meta spokesperson confirmed the news to other major news organizations.

The company stated it remains committed to VR for the long term. It will revisit third-party partnerships as the market matures. For now, resources are being funneled into its own Quest headset line and core software.

Metaverse Ambitions Yield to AI Investment Focus

This pause reflects a broader reallocation of resources within Meta. Industry analysts note a clear pivot toward artificial intelligence investments. The metaverse, once touted as the company’s future, is receiving less emphasis.

Bloomberg recently reported that budgets within the Reality Labs metaverse group face significant cuts. Meta confirmed it is shifting some investment from the metaverse to AI glasses and wearables. This change in direction is driven by the current market momentum and shareholder pressure around AI.

The Horizon OS was designed to enable advanced social presence features. It incorporated eye, face, and body tracking. Its development was central to Meta’s original vision for interconnected digital worlds.

The pause of the Meta Horizon OS partner program marks a notable moment in the evolving VR landscape. It underscores the practical challenges of building an open metaverse ecosystem. The company’s future in virtual reality now appears tightly linked to its own Quest hardware success.

Thought you’d like to know

What is Meta Horizon OS?

Meta Horizon OS is the mixed-reality operating system developed by Meta. It powers the company’s Quest line of virtual and augmented reality headsets. The software is designed for social interaction and immersive experiences.

Which companies were partnering with Meta on this?

Meta had announced partnerships with Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft’s Xbox division. These companies were expected to develop new hardware running Horizon OS. No consumer devices from these collaborations have been released.

Why did Meta pause this program?

Meta stated it needs to focus on building world-class first-party hardware and software. The decision aligns with a company-wide shift in investment priorities. Resources are being redirected toward AI and its core VR products.

Does this mean Meta is abandoning the metaverse?

Not entirely. The company says it remains committed to virtual reality for the long term. However, its immediate investment and strategic focus have noticeably shifted toward artificial intelligence projects.

What happens to current Meta Quest headsets?

Existing Meta Quest devices are unaffected. They will continue to receive software updates and support. The pause only impacts the plan to license the OS to other manufacturers.