In a strategic shift, Meta has put its ambitious plan to license its Horizon OS to third-party hardware manufacturers on indefinite hold. This decision directly impacts announced partnerships with companies like ASUS and Lenovo, signaling a renewed focus on in-house development and raising questions about the competitive landscape for extended reality (XR) platforms.
Meta Confirms Pause on Third-Party Horizon OS Program
Meta has officially confirmed the suspension of its program to license the Horizon OS, the operating system powering its Quest VR headsets, to other hardware manufacturers. A company spokesperson stated the move is to "focus on building the world-class first-party hardware and software needed to advance the VR market." The program, announced in April 2024, was initially seen as a major opening of Meta's ecosystem, with ASUS and Lenovo confirmed as early partners aiming to build specialized headsets for gaming and productivity, respectively.
Announced Horizon OS Partners & Their Reported Projects:
- ASUS ROG: A performance-focused VR headset for gaming.
- Lenovo: A productivity-oriented VR headset design.
The Demise of the ASUS ROG and Lenovo Headsets
The pause effectively cancels the development of several anticipated devices. ASUS was reportedly working on a high-performance, ROG-branded VR headset focused on gaming, which its co-CEO had touted as "the gaming headset of the next generation." Lenovo, meanwhile, was developing a headset oriented toward productivity. The cancellation leaves a gap in the market for a high-end, gaming-focused VR device running the established Horizon OS platform and its associated Meta Quest Store library.
Strategic Reasons Behind Meta's Decision
While Meta cites a need to concentrate on its own products, industry observers suggest broader strategic calculations may be at play. The company may be cautious about ceding control of its platform's user experience or hardware roadmap as new competitors emerge. Notably, Google's Android XR platform is poised to enter the market, potentially vying for the same hardware partners. Furthermore, with the impending launch of devices like Valve's "Steam Frame," which may run on alternative operating systems like SteamOS, Meta might be consolidating resources to strengthen its first-party lineup against coming competition.
Competing XR Platforms in the Market:
| Platform | Lead Company | Current Status | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon OS | Meta | Active on Meta Quest headsets; 3rd-party licensing paused. | Established VR gaming ecosystem & store. |
| Android XR | In development; expected with future hardware (e.g., Samsung). | Open platform based on Android, targeting broad XR use. | |
| visionOS | Apple | Active on Apple Vision Pro. | High-end mixed reality with strong productivity & media focus. |
| SteamOS/Other | Valve (etc.) | Used in devices like the upcoming Steam Frame. | Deep integration with PC gaming and Steam platform. |
Implications for the Broader XR Market
This retrenchment has significant implications for the extended reality sector. It suggests Meta is doubling down on the virtual reality gaming segment where it has found success, potentially at the expense of broader mixed-reality or augmented reality ambitions. This creates a clearer opportunity for Google's Android XR to position itself as the open, partner-friendly alternative for manufacturers looking to build AR or productivity-focused devices. The move reshapes the platform wars, shifting from a potential three-horse race between Meta's licensed OS, Android XR, and Apple's visionOS to a more fragmented landscape where Meta's ecosystem remains largely walled off.
Recent Meta XR Timeline:
- April 2024: Meta announces Horizon OS and partnerships with ASUS & Lenovo.
- December 2025 (Reported): Business Insider reports Meta's own mixed-reality headset delayed to 2027.
- December 17, 2025: Meta confirms indefinite pause of third-party Horizon OS program.
What's Next for VR Enthusiasts?
For consumers, the immediate effect is fewer choices in the high-end VR hardware space. The promise of a device combining Horizon OS's software library with cutting-edge components from a partner like ASUS has been deferred indefinitely. Attention now turns to other contenders. Valve's Steam Frame, expected to launch soon, represents a major alternative for PC-connected VR, while all eyes are on how Google will execute its Android XR vision with partners like Samsung. Meta's decision underscores the volatility and strategic pivots still defining the XR industry as it seeks mainstream adoption.