Microsoft is discontinuing its HoloLens headsets
Microsoft has ended production of its HoloLens 2 headsets, with no sign of a replacement ahead. UploadVR reports that HoloLens 2 will still get “updates to address critical security issues and software regressions” until the end of 2027, but production of the headsets has now ended.
Software support for the original HoloLens headset will reportedly end on December 10th, too. Microsoft originally unveiled its HoloLens headset in 2015, promising the augmented reality goggles would power the future of virtual worlds. Microsoft then followed up with the HoloLens 2 in 2019 with a wider field of view, eye tracking, and more powerful specs.
Microsoft’s struggles with HoloLens have been apparent over the past two years. Former HoloLens boss Alex Kipman departed the company in 2022 following misconduct allegations. Microsoft then changed its “hardware portfolio” in January 2023 amid layoffs that impacted its devices teams. Employees on the HoloLens 2 team were also impacted by additional Microsoft layoffs earlier this year.
It’s not clear if we’ll ever seen another HoloLens headset that will be available for businesses or even consumers to buy. Microsoft reportedly scrapped plans for a HoloLens 3 but then hinted that it will make a “meaningful update” to the hardware when the time is right.
Microsoft has now teamed up with Anduril Industries, the military tech company started by Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey, to improve its IVAS mixed-reality headsets used by the US Army. Microsoft’s initial IVAS headset, based on HoloLens technology, first went into trials in 2021 and includes integrated thermal and night-vision imaging sensors in a heads-up display.
The US Army previously said it plans to spend up to $21.9 billion over the 10-year IVAS project contract, and Microsoft has been working to correct issues with the IVAS headset in recent years, with further tests scheduled for early 2025.
Correction, October 1st: Article updated to clarify software support will end for the original HoloLens soon. Production for the original HoloLens headset ended years ago.