Meta Quest 4 leak details slimmer design, new Snapdragon XR chipset and $399 US launch window in October
Meta is expected to launch its next-generation Quest virtual reality headset, reportedly called Quest 4, in October for $399, according to recent leaks and industry reports. The device is said to feature a slimmer design and a new Snapdragon XR chipset, reflecting ongoing development confirmed by Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth despite earlier cancellation rumors.
Leaked information and industry reports indicate the next-generation Meta Quest headset will feature a significantly slimmer and lighter design than its predecessor, Quest 3. Firmware-based leaks described by Forbes reveal low-resolution renders and line drawings showing a more compact front housing, consistent with a shift toward a goggle-like form factor. These images suggest Meta is prioritizing a reduced visor bulk, with a target weight under 350 grams, according to community analyses and YouTube leak roundups. This design aims to improve comfort and wearability by moving heavy components off the headset’s front.
This puck, which reportedly clips to a belt or fits in a pocket and connects to the headset via cable, allows the main headset unit to be thinner and lighter.
Supporting this, multiple sources and firmware data mined by analysts indicate Meta is testing a design that relocates the processor and battery into an external module, often referred to as a “computing puck.” Industry commentators note that this architecture could reduce neck strain and pressure on the face, enhancing user comfort during extended use. While Meta has not officially confirmed this design, several independent leak discussions have converged on the external compute and battery pack as a core feature of the upcoming device.
Several reports also suggest the new headset will upgrade its display technology from Quest 3’s dual LCD panels to micro-OLED screens, offering substantially higher resolution and improved contrast. Sources cite targets of nearly 4K resolution per eye, though exact pixel counts vary and remain unverified. The headset is expected to use pancake lenses, which are thinner and could provide a wider horizontal field of view around 120 degrees. Firmware-related leaks further indicate the inclusion of integrated eye-tracking technology, enabling dynamic foveated rendering that focuses processing power on the user’s gaze point to improve visual performance. This eye-tracking feature would also allow automatic software-based interpupillary distance adjustment, replacing the manual sliders found on previous models.
Performance-wise, leaked benchmarks and supply-chain rumors point to the headset utilizing a next-generation Qualcomm Snapdragon XR chipset, often described as an XR2 Gen 3 or XR3-class system-on-chip customized for Meta. Analysts note that this would represent a significant upgrade over the XR2 Gen 2 chip used in current devices, with leaked figures suggesting roughly double the GPU performance of Quest 3. Qualcomm’s public data on XR2 Gen 2 chips reference up to 2.5 times GPU performance and 50% power savings compared to earlier generations, and industry sources expect the new chip to enable PC-quality virtual reality experiences on a standalone headset. Meta has not officially confirmed the chipset details.
Pricing and launch timing remain uncertain. While early internal speculation reportedly considered a price point above Quest 3’s $499 launch price, possibly in the $800 range, community-compiled rumor tables have suggested a potential low price near $399 and a higher figure around $499. These figures come from leaks and analyst speculation without official confirmation. Meta has historically launched major Quest headsets in October—Quest 2 debuted in October 2020, and Quest 3 in October 2023—leading to speculation about an October release window for the next device. However, more recent reporting and leaker commentary have pushed expectations toward late 2026, 2027, or even 2028, with no official announcement from Meta on timing or pricing.
Additional leaked details point to enhanced mixed-reality capabilities, including higher-resolution RGB cameras and improved depth sensing. Some sources reference dual 16-megapixel RGB sensors and advanced depth mapping, which would support more accurate room understanding and passthrough visuals. These features, combined with eye-tracking and foveated rendering, are expected to improve both gaming and productivity applications compared to Quest 3. Meta has not yet published official specifications or marketing materials confirming these capabilities for a device explicitly named Meta Quest 4.
Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth has publicly acknowledged two “officially leaked” hardware devices on the company’s roadmap, implicitly confirming active development of next-generation Quest-class headsets. In interviews following rumors of Quest 4 cancellation, Bosworth stated that Quest hardware is “not dead” and that Meta remains “super excited” about upcoming devices. He also noted the company’s plans include multiple future headsets, such as a higher-end successor to Quest 3 and a more budget-focused model. Despite these remarks, Meta has not confirmed the exact product name, specifications, pricing, or launch date for the next headset.
Meta’s historical pattern of releasing major Quest devices in October and Bosworth’s statements suggest continued investment in virtual reality hardware, but all current information about design, chipset, pricing, and timing is based on leaks, analyst expectations, and secondary reporting rather than official announcements.
