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Meta Weighs Deep 2026 Cuts to Metaverse Projects as It Shifts Spend to AI Wearables

The company says resources are being redirected to AI-powered glasses following years of heavy losses in its virtual-reality business.

Overview

  • Executives have discussed reducing 2026 spending on metaverse efforts by as much as 30%, according to multiple reports, though no final decision has been made.
  • The proposed reductions would chiefly target the Quest VR group and Horizon Worlds, with layoffs possible as early as January if plans proceed.
  • Meta confirmed it is reallocating some Reality Labs investment toward AI-enabled glasses and other wearables, citing stronger momentum in those products.
  • The discussions followed November budget meetings at Mark Zuckerberg’s Hawaii compound, where most groups were asked to find about 10% savings and the metaverse team was pressed to go deeper.
  • Meta shares rose roughly 3% to 7% on the reports, as investors weighed Reality Labs’ cumulative losses of more than $70 billion since 2021, including a $4.4 billion loss last quarter.