Microsoft 'kills' HoloLens 2 headset, here's why

Microsoft

Microsoft has officially announced that it is discontinuing the HoloLens 2 headset. The news doesn’t come as a surprise as Microsoft had given several indications of exiting the mixed reality hardware space. In January 2023, Microsoft laid off teams that worked on virtual reality, mixed reality, and HoloLens. Microsoft’s HoloLens 2 was the company’s big bet in augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) development, particularly for enterprise and industrial applications.

Launched in 2019, the HoloLens 2 was seen as a significant upgrade from its predecessor, featuring improved comfort, expanded field of view, and enhanced gesture controls. However, despite these advancements, the HoloLens line struggled to achieve widespread adoption beyond niche professional use cases. Its high price tag (around $3,500) and the complexity of developing applications for the headset made it inaccessible to many consumers and businesses.

Microsoft’s decision to kill HoloLens 2 comes at a time when rivals Apple and Meta are picking pace with their Vision Pro and Quest line of devices. The company will continue to support existing HoloLens 2 customers with software updates, but the production of new units has ceased. Also, Microsoft will stop selling the device completely once it runs out of stock. Those who have the first-generation HoloLens will receive software updates only till December 10.