BREAKING: Meta has just announced a major shift in its Metaverse strategy, confirming that smartphones will become the primary access point for its virtual world, Horizon Worlds, effectively sidelining VR headsets. This urgent update signals a significant change in how users will interact with the Metaverse as the company reacts to sluggish growth in the VR sector.
In a blog post released today, Meta revealed that it will strictly separate its virtual reality platform, Quest, from Horizon Worlds. Moving forward, Horizon Worlds will be almost exclusively developed for mobile devices, aiming to boost user numbers dramatically. This decision is a direct response to the disappointing sales and overwhelming losses exceeding $60 billion in Meta’s Reality Labs division since the company rebranded from Facebook in October 2021.
The shift marks a departure from Meta’s initial vision of VR headsets as essential gateways to the Metaverse. Instead, users will now engage with their avatars in virtual worlds via touchscreen controls, akin to traditional mobile games. While a VR version of Horizon Worlds will remain, it will no longer serve as the primary platform.
Meta’s move comes as it positions itself against fierce mobile competitors like Roblox. The company is eager to lower the barrier to entry for new users, which has proven challenging with VR headsets. By refocusing on mobile access, Meta hopes to reach a critical mass of users that will attract advertisers and generate revenue.
The announcement follows a troubled history for Horizon Worlds, which has faced criticism for its graphical shortcomings, including the infamous lack of legs on avatars. Although an update in 2023 addressed some of these issues, user retention has remained a significant hurdle, with many users trying the platform once and never returning.
With this new strategy, Meta is attempting to overcome these past challenges by making it easier for users to engage with Horizon Worlds. The company emphasizes that separating the Quest and Horizon Worlds platforms will allow both products to grow independently.
What’s Next? As Meta pivots towards this mobile-centric approach, the focus will intensify on developing an ecosystem for third-party developers in the VR sector while refining the mobile experience for Horizon Worlds. This transition is set to unfold in February 2026, and industry observers will be keenly watching to see if this gamble pays off.
Meta’s strategic shift underscores the ongoing evolution of virtual reality and the Metaverse, as the tech giant strives to redefine user engagement in an increasingly competitive landscape. With the smartphone now at the forefront, the future of the Metaverse is being reshaped in real-time. Stay tuned for further developments as this story unfolds.
