First Imagery of Meta's Unannounced Project Phoenix Leaks via HorizonOS Firmware

First visuals of Meta's unannounced Project Phoenix headset have leaked through a HorizonOS firmware package ahead of Meta Connect 2026. The imagery was discovered by Luna on Twitter and UploadVR within the HorizonOS Prescription Lens app, which received an update containing visuals of the device and instructions for installing prescription lenses.

The leaked imagery reveals a design that appears to be a hybrid between smart glasses and a traditional headset. The device features legs that are much smaller in size, closely resembling typical glasses legs. Additional imagery shows a cable leading from the left leg to a power supply or puck designed to be held in a pocket or clipped to a belt. There are no images of new controllers accompanying the leak. UploadVR noted that Meta Software Engineer Manager Dongyi Li is scheduled to give a talk titled 'A practical guide to controller-free interaction' during the Connect conference schedule, pointing toward a controller-less device.

The leak arrives as Valve and players celebrate the launch of the Steam Frame, which carries a price tag of $1,059. Meta Connect is scheduled to take place between September 23 and 24, 2026, when official details are expected to be revealed by the company.