Meta’s $19 Billion VR Gamble Shows the Limits of Metaverse Ambitions
Few technology companies have committed as aggressively to virtual reality as Meta. What began as a bold rebranding in 2021 — when Facebook officially became Meta — has since evolved into one of the most expensive long-term bets in modern tech history. In 2025 alone, Meta’s Reality Labs division burned through $19.1 billion, surpassing the already staggering losses recorded in 2024. Despite years of investment, high-profile product launches, and relentless messaging around the metaverse, Reality Labs continues to operate at a scale that raises fundamental questions about viability, timing, and strategic focus. As 2026 begins, Meta’s own leadership admits that … Read more