Meta Pushes Back on Reported Outsourcing of XR Headset Designs

A Update on Meta’s Headset Design and Manufacturing

A recent report from The Information suggests that Meta has initiated the outsourcing of some design work for their upcoming headsets as they make moves to shift part of their production operations out of China. However, Meta’s CTO, Andrew Bosworth, has refuted these specific design claims, stating that the headsets will continue to be designed “in house.”

According to The Information (accessible without a paywall through SeekingAlpha), Meta is reportedly planning to transfer half of its Quest headset manufacturing from China to Vietnam. This strategic move is being made to avoid potentially high import tariffs that may be imposed by the incoming US President, Donald Trump.

The report also mentions that Meta is looking to shift more of its component design, such as lenses and displays, to Goertek, a Chinese original design manufacturer (ODM) known for its work in the XR industry creating reference designs and manufacturing devices for various companies.

Furthermore, it is reported that Meta has engaged Goertek and other manufacturers to collaborate on developing their headsets by 2030, as the company aims to focus more on its software business. This partnership would involve Meta setting goals for Goertek to propose multiple design options for Meta to choose from.

Despite these reports, Andrew Bosworth, Meta’s CTO and head of Reality Labs, has refuted the claims regarding the design changes in a recent post.

“[S]omeone is spreading false rumors about the design changes to multiple outlets,” Bosworth states. “We continue to design our headsets internally and have no plans to alter that. While we collaborate with our manufacturers, there are no major changes in that aspect.”

Bosworth further emphasizes that their work with Goertek will proceed as usual.

“To clarify, Goertek is a valuable partner, especially as certain parts of our hardware become more standardized across different headsets. This has been our approach and will continue even as we expand our operations with them.”

Additionally, The Information reports that Goertek is involved in designing the outer shell for Meta’s future MR headsets and is now playing a more significant role in the R&D of other Meta products, including the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

Earlier this year, Goertek invested $280 million in its Vietnamese subsidiary, specializing in manufacturing consumer electronics like headphones, smartwatches, and VR/AR devices, according to a filing with the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.