Microsoft axes HoloLens as XR market shifts to lighter, more affordable AR glasses

The news: Microsoft is axing its HoloLens 2 mixed-reality (MR) headset with no plans to produce a replacement. The company said support for existing headsets will end December 31, 2027, per The Register.

This, along with Apple Vision Pro’s failure to gain traction, indicates that business interest in heavy and expensive MR headsets is giving way to lighter, less expensive augmented-reality (AR) glasses. The Vision Pro and HoloLens 2 both start at $3,500.

Why it’s worth watching: Microsoft’s decision comes a week after Meta demoed an early prototype of its Orion AR glasses.