The Future Of VR Headsets: What To Expect From The Meta Quest 4
The Meta Quest headset has, pretty consistently, been at the forefront of developments in virtual reality over the past few years. Released initially under the Oculus brand name, it was one of the first headsets to be adopted by the more mainstream gaming community – then quickly amalgamated into the Meta brand we all know a little too well.
Meta moved fast with the Quest headset under their wing, and we’ve seen multiple models including the more advanced Meta Quest Pro in the past 5 years. This rapid pace of development hasn’t let up either. Even though we’ve only just got our hands on the Meta Quest 3, Bloomberg is already reporting that the Meta Quest 4 is already in the works. The prototype name ‘Pismo’ is being thrown about and testers are supposedly being recruited so the future of VR headsets could be much closer than we think – but what can we expect?
Eye-Tracking Technology
Granted, we are talking about the Meta Quest 4 purely speculatively here. As far as we’re aware, nobody has actually had confirmation when it comes to the kinds of features that will be included in Meta’s future VR headset. This won’t stop us from making some predictions and assumptions though, and if we were to place any bets on what to expect from the Quest 4, eye-tracking technology would be right at the top of the list.
Eye-tracking in VR headsets is something that few have managed to really master. Just the Quest Pro has included it where Meta’s headsets so far are concerned, but it’s about time that such capabilities are yet to make their way into other devices. With eye-tracking as standard in the Meta Quest 4, we could more reliably enjoy the intuitive and realistic interactions virtual reality has long promised. This development really does need to happen sooner rather than later for VR doubters to be otherwise swayed and Meta will be increasingly aware of this.
Facial Expression Capture
If Meta’s future of VR headsets does offer eye-tracking technology, expect that facial expression capture will come as part of the package too. Again, this is something that Meta has already dabbled in with good results in the Quest Pro, and the combination of eye-tracking and facial expression is what is needed to amplify levels of engagement in virtual interactions and add a much-needed emotional dimension.
Facial expression capture could also lead to some changes and developments when it comes to the avatars we can use with the Meta Quest 4. It really wouldn’t be surprising if Meta announced an overhaul of its avatar store alongside an official announcement of a new headset, allowing us to create virtual selves more realistic than ever before.
Multiple Versions Released At Once
As we saw with the Quest 3 and 3s, Meta likes to release multiple versions of the same headset to tap into different VR experience levels. It seems like this is pretty much guaranteed to happen again with the Quest 4, as multiple prototype names – Pismo Low and Pismo High – are being thrown about. These will presumably encompass a premium headset and a lower-cost, entry-level bit of kit.
What is particularly exciting about this prospect for the Quest 4 is that it almost guarantees more advanced technology will be available at a lower price point too. This is something that simply needs to happen for the future of VR headsets to be mainstream and for nerds like us to finally say “I told you so”.
A Different Style
Over the course of their previous models, Meta’s Quest headsets have come to exhibit a pretty recognisable shape and style, and the 3 (pictured below) and 3s models certainly didn’t stray too far from the 2. However, much of the current discussion surrounding the Meta Quest 4 tends to describe it as ‘goggles’ rather than a headset and we certainly wouldn’t be surprised if Meta uses its next release as an excuse to shake up the Quest’s visual identity. If the Quest 4 does come in at multiple price points, it’s also the right opportunity to really transform the future of VR headsets and design something that is not only used by different people but also looks a bit different to headsets of the past.
Upgraded Displays
Sceptics will argue that eye-tracking and facial recognition alone are not enough to justify an entirely new Meta Quest headset. We’re inclined to agree, which is why we’re expecting the Quest 4 to also offer a serious upgrade in terms of its hardware.
Given that the Quest 3 still used an LED display, an obvious upgrade on this front would be to OLED microdisplay – though only if it comes with a wide enough field of view to really feel the benefit. Meta does seem to have been reluctant to make this switch thus far (although they’re not the only ones), but it’s hard to see how anybody who already owns the 3 or 3s will fork out without there being an obvious hardware upgrade in place.
When Will The Meta Quest 4 Be Released?
Unfortunately, we’re currently none the wiser on exactly when the Meta Quest 4 will become more than just speculation or a prototype. However, based on existing patterns and Meta’s release cycles, it’s highly likely that the future of VR headsets will arrive at some point in 2026 and will probably be confirmed at a future Meta Connect event. The Meta Quest 3 was released 3 years after the Quest 2 and the 3s only came out last year. Given that Meta tends to release a brand-new headset every three years, a 2026 release seems a pretty solid bet.
One thing is certain: Meta will be doing everything they can to produce a version of the Quest that is better than the rest. If speculation surrounding eye-tracking functionality is true, the tech giant could genuinely achieve that and transform the future of VR headsets. We’ll be waiting with bated breath to see if the Quest 4 is genuinely up to the challenge…
In short: It’s looking likely that the Meta Quest 4 is well and truly in the works, with Meta continuing the pattern of releasing multiple models to offer both premium and entry-level capabilities. The success of the future of VR headsets will rely on the integration of eye-tracking and facial recognition as standard, but this alone won’t be enough to sway those who have only recently opted for a Meta headset. We just hope they know this, and go all out in creating the best Quest yet. Whether that is in 2026 or further away remains to be seen – we’ll hopefully find out at Meta Connect.
