The wait is almost over – Meta Connect 2026 is just around the corner, and VR enthusiasts everywhere are eager to get a glimpse of what’s in store. As tradition dictates, I’ll be sharing my predictions for this year’s event, and I’m excited to dive into the possibilities.
First up, it’s time to talk about the next-generation Meta Mixed-Reality (MR) headset codenamed Phoenix. This lightweight marvel has been heavily leaked in recent months, and all signs point to its imminent release at Connect. Imagine a passthrough MR headset that resembles bulky glasses – yes, you read that right! – with a 90° field of view and 2.5K*2.5K resolution per eye. It’s connected via a puck that doubles as both battery and computational unit, making it a sleek and powerful device. Hand tracking and eye tracking are on board, with optional controllers for those who prefer a more immersive experience.
What’s more, Phoenix is designed for media consumption and productivity, essentially positioning itself as a lightweight Apple Vision Pro alternative. With an expected price tag of around $1,000, this headset promises to bring a new level of convenience and versatility to the world of MR. Attendees at Connect will likely get hands-on experience with Phoenix, so be sure to keep an eye out for my impressions.
Next on the agenda are Meta’s latest smartglasses announcements. Given their runaway success, it’s almost guaranteed that we’ll see some fresh faces in this space. The Information has leaked details about camera-less glasses codenamed Luna, which could very well debut at Connect as part of Meta’s efforts to address concerns around smartglass reputation. We might also see an updated version of the Meta Ray-Ban Display – although this is purely speculative on my part.
One thing that’s all but confirmed is the Codec Avatars showcase at Connect. A recent leak by The Information suggests that Mark Zuckerberg and Andrew Bosworth will take to the stage to demonstrate a “call” using these hyper-realistic avatars. With Meta finally launching a headset featuring eye tracking in Phoenix, it’s the perfect time for them to unveil their Codec Avatars as a major feature of this new device.
Last but certainly not least, expect some significant updates to HorizonOS. The user experience on Quest headsets has been a topic of discussion among VR enthusiasts, and Meta has acknowledged these issues. With Alan Dye at the helm – the legendary designer behind Apple’s iconic “liquid glass” interface – we can anticipate a major overhaul of the operating system to support Phoenix’s new control scheme.
In conclusion, this year’s Meta Connect promises to be an exciting affair, with several key announcements that will shape the future of VR and MR. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or just starting your journey into these immersive worlds, there’s never been a better time to get involved. As we count down to the big reveal, I’ll continue to share my insights and predictions – so stay tuned!
Source: The Ghost Howls — 2026-09-22