Meta Platforms is stepping back from its ambitious metaverse strategy, marking a major shift in direction for the tech giant. The company has confirmed that Horizon Worlds will no longer be supported on virtual reality devices by mid-2026, effectively ending its core VR experience.
The platform, launched in 2021 as a central pillar of Mark Zuckerberg’s metaverse vision, will be removed from the Quest store by the end of March. Users will also lose access to in-app benefits such as digital purchases and customisations. From 15 June, the service will transition into a mobile-only application, discontinuing its VR functionality entirely.
Horizon Worlds was initially designed for VR headsets such as Meta Quest, offering users an immersive 3D environment to socialise, work and play. A mobile version was later introduced in 2023 to broaden accessibility. Despite these efforts, the platform struggled to attract and retain users, with reports suggesting its monthly active base remained relatively small. It also faced criticism over limited engagement and technical shortcomings.
The move follows mounting financial pressure within Meta’s Reality Labs division, which oversees metaverse initiatives. Since 2020, the unit has reportedly incurred losses nearing $80 billion. In response, the company has begun restructuring, including job cuts within the division earlier this year, while also managing rising investments in artificial intelligence.
Even as it retreats from VR-led ambitions, Meta is redirecting focus toward emerging areas. Products like Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have gained traction, and the company is accelerating work on advanced AI systems. Recent moves also include acquiring new talent and platforms to strengthen its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, signalling a broader pivot beyond the metaverse.
