Meta Puffin: the game-changing ultralight aircraft project

Meta Puffin: Why is this mixed reality headset revolutionary?

Rumors surrounding this project suggest a radically different approach from the one adopted by the brand so far. No more bulky devices that become tiring after a few hours.

A featherweight 110 grams for everyday use

According to specialist websites that have reported the information, the Meta Puffin weighs only about 110 grams. To put that in perspective, the current Meta Quest 3 weighs around 515 grams, while the Quest 2 exceeded 500 grams. This colossal difference completely transforms the user experience.

Wearing a device this lightweight for 8 to 10 hours becomes perfectly feasible. Imagine working all day without feeling any pressure on your nose or temples. That's exactly what Meta aims to achieve with this new range of devices designed for everyday professional use.

The innovation of the case and the external battery

The key to this reduced weight? A bold technical architecture. Rumors suggest that Meta will house the processor and battery in an external enclosure that the user can carry in their pocket or attach to their belt.

This solution offers several advantages:

• Drastic reduction of weight on the head
• Less heat near the eyes, improving comfort
• Interchangeable batteries for unlimited battery life
• Thinner, more elegant lenses, almost like real glasses

The screens could thus benefit from better ventilation, while the onboard technology would remain as efficient as a traditional helmet .

The Puffin project vs. the Quest range: what strategy for Meta?

Recent news suggests that Meta has had to thoroughly review its product strategy for the coming years, alternating between canceling and relaunching projects.

Initially, according to reports from The Information, Meta was working on two models under the codename Pismo: a Pismo Low (more affordable) and a Pismo High (high-end) version, intended to become the Quest 4. However, the development of these two variants came to a major halt in 2025, as Meta preferred to allocate its resources to Project Puffin. This project, an ultra-lightweight mixed reality headset, became the priority to meet the demand for a less bulky everyday device.

However, the situation changed again at the beginning of 2026:

• The return of Pismo: Faced with user demand for a powerful gaming headset, development of the next Quest 4 (Pismo) has been reactivated.
• Puffin's priority: Despite this comeback, the Puffin project remains at the top of the list for a late 2026 release, as it offers a concrete solution to the problem of the weight of current helmets with its 110 grams.
• A split range: Meta now seems to be moving towards a two-speed range: the Quest for total immersion and the Puffin for light "Spatial Computing".

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This approach shows that Meta is seeking not to leave the field open to the competition in the professional segment while maintaining its leadership in entertainment technology.

Advanced screen and tracking technology

Rumors suggest high-resolution screens optimized for prolonged text reading.

• The goal? To replace your traditional monitors with a pair of glasses offering the equivalent of several giant virtual screens.

The eye-tracking and hand-tracking system allows for intuitive navigation without cumbersome controllers. Simply point with your eyes, pinch with your fingers, and interact naturally with your digital content. This approach is closer to smart glasses than a traditional virtual reality headset .

Working in VR: the transformed user experience

Beyond the technical specifications, the entire daily use could be disrupted.

Thanks to this new keyboard, Meta Quest suddenly becomes more productive.

Specialized media outlets report that Meta is developing revolutionary input solutions for Puffin. An ultra-precise virtual keyboard, combined with compatibility with physical Bluetooth keyboards, would transform the device into a true portable workstation.

The Meta Quest 3 suddenly becomes more appealing to professionals, but Puffin takes it a step further. Weighing in at just 110 grams , it's significantly more comfortable than an Apple Vision Pro for working on the go. It's also far more attractive than a traditional setup for digital nomads who juggle multiple workspaces.

The promise? To transform any café, train, or coworking space into a personal multi-screen office. Try it out: three virtual 4K screens in 110-gram glasses .

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Content and media: beyond mere entertainment

Unlike current gaming-oriented headsets, Puffin is designed for productive content consumption: reading documents, video editing, programming, and 3D design. Immersive experiences would no longer be limited to games but would encompass your entire workflow.

Rumors suggest a generation of professional applications specifically developed for this device . This could revolutionize the way you work every day.

Availability and news: when will we be able to test Puffin?

Horizon 2026: What the latest news says

According to tech sites reporting this information, Meta is aiming for a 2026 launch, possibly in the second half of the year. This timeline would align with the brand's usual cycle, which saw the Meta Quest 2 launched in 2020 and the Quest 3 in 2023.

Some media outlets are even reporting internal testing already underway, suggesting the project is further along than previously thought. However, nothing has been officially confirmed by Meta. These rumors stem primarily from leaks and analyses of patents filed by the company.