Project Phoenix headset of Meta mixed reality finally taking shape after over a year of rumors. The design resembles smart glasses more than a traditional VR headset, featuring nose pads and temple-mounted sensors. A cable from the left temple confirms the use of an external compute puck, separating processing from the headset itself.

This design choice aims to reduce facial weight but introduces the compromise of a separate computing unit and cable. The leaked images, discovered through Meta's Horizon OS Prescription Lens package, show how prescription lens inserts attach via QR code setup. Notably, the hardware moves away from the bulky face interface of the Quest 3.

While Meta has not officially announced Phoenix, expectations are high for a potential reveal at Meta Connect 2026 starting September 23, which includes a session on controller-free interaction. If Phoenix launches, it could signal a significant shift in mixed reality headset design toward casual wearability, though the success depends on making the external hardware feel invisible to the user.