Highlights

  • Original Meta Quest to lose security patches on August 31, 2024.
  • Meta warns of potential data risks without updates.
  • Next headset release may include an affordable Quest 3 variant.

Owners of the original Meta Quest headset who are still using the virtual reality device should be aware that security patches will no longer be released for the device starting on August 31 of this year. The news follows a prior reveal that Meta was winding down Quest 1 support starting in 2023.

Meta has released four different varieties of Quest headsets over the years since acquiring Oculus, the original designer and manufacturer of the Oculus Quest and other devices. The Oculus GO, which provided a limited VR experience, was discontinued about four years ago, but support for the Oculus/Meta Quest 1, Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, and Meta Quest Pro has continued since then. However, five years after its initial release, the support for the original Meta Quest is finally coming to an end.

oculus quest 2 steam game
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Meta revealed in an email to current Quest 1 owners that it will no longer be providing security updates or bug fixes starting on August 31, 2024. The email assures users that so long as the apps on their device are supported by their developers, they will still be usable on the headset. However, continuing to use the original Meta Quest without security updates comes with the same risks as other gaming devices or PCs connected to the internet post-updates. Meta warns that if vulnerabilities in the original Meta Quest are discovered after August 31, it's possible that data on the device could be accessed by third parties.

Saying Goodbye to the Original Meta Quest

While many fans of virtual reality first discovered it for themselves using a Meta Quest, it's been a long time since the device was released. Since then, Meta has released newer devices with better visuals, processors, and battery life. Upgrading to the Meta Quest 2 or 3 is generally affordable, though the Meta Quest Pro is more intended for business/industrial use and has a much higher price point.

With the August cut-off rapidly approaching, it remains to be seen if Meta is ready to reveal the next headset in its line-up. Prior leaks and hints have led credence to the idea that a more affordable version of the Meta Quest 3 will be the next release from the social media giant. If introduced in time, the prospect of upgrading to a lower-priced VR headset with lower specs than the standard Meta Quest 3 - but still a huge upgrade over the original Meta/Oculus Quest - could appeal to long-time owners of the older device. It remains to be seen if Meta makes any announcements over the next two months.