End of metaverse focus: Meta shuts down Horizon Worlds on Quest
Meta has announced the shutdown of the VR version of Horizon Worlds for Quest, marking another shift in its focus away from the metaverse. The app will be removed from the Quest Store by the end of March, and by June 15, 2026, the VR version will be fully discontinued, with the service available only as a mobile app.
Highlights
- Meta is shutting down the VR version of Horizon Worlds for Quest by June 15, 2026.
- Horizon Worlds will transition to a mobile-only platform.
- Meta continues shifting its focus from the metaverse to artificial intelligence.
Shifting focus from Metaverse to AI
According to CNBC, Horizon Worlds, once central to Meta’s metaverse strategy, is being restructured as Meta shifts its focus to artificial intelligence. This move comes after Meta made significant cuts within its Reality Labs division, responsible for the company’s VR and AR products. In January 2026, Meta laid off over 1,000 employees, including those working on VR games and Horizon Worlds content.
The transition of Horizon Worlds to a mobile-only platform represents a significant change in Meta’s vision. Originally, in 2021, Meta (formerly Facebook) rebranded itself with the goal of becoming a leader in the metaverse. CEO Mark Zuckerberg described the metaverse as the next frontier for the company.
The new move reflects the company's growing shift toward AI development, leaving behind the ambitious virtual reality world it once championed.
For users, important transition dates are as follows:
- End of March — removal of the app from the Quest Store;
- June 15 — the end of the VR version;
- After this date, Horizon Worlds will be available only as a mobile app.
What this shift means for Meta's future
The shutdown of Horizon Worlds for Quest is a significant marker of Meta’s strategic shift. Originally a flagship project for the company’s metaverse vision, Horizon Worlds now becomes a mobile-only app as Meta moves its attention to AI.
This decision signifies a growing divergence from virtual reality and a pivot toward new technologies that may better align with current market needs. The move reflects Meta’s broader restructuring within Reality Labs and highlights the company’s evolving priorities.
Earlier, we reported about end of metaverse era. As time passed, the hype faded, and most companies shelved their metaverse projects indefinitely.
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