Meta to Shut Down Virtual Reality Meeting Spaces as Part of Metaverse Restructuring Efforts
In a move that highlights the company's shifting priorities, Meta has announced its decision to discontinue the standalone Workrooms app on February 16, 2026. The virtual reality platform was launched with the intention of providing immersive meeting spaces for teams, but according to the company, its Horizon platform has evolved sufficiently to support a wide range of productivity apps and tools.
This move comes as part of Meta's broader efforts to restructure its metaverse ambitions. In recent months, the company has slashed spending on its reality labs division, resulting in over 1,000 layoffs and the closure of three VR studios. According to reports, Reality Labs has lost more than $70 billion since 2021.
As a result, Meta is now diverting resources from the metaverse towards other areas, such as wearables. The company's AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses are set to receive increased investment. Additionally, Horizon managed services โ a subscription service that helps organizations manage their Quest headsets โ will also be discontinued on February 16.
Users of the Workrooms app have been given notice that they will no longer be able to access the platform or retrieve any data stored within it starting on February 16. However, Meta has offered an exception, allowing users to download their data if needed before the end of the month.
In a move that highlights the company's shifting priorities, Meta has announced its decision to discontinue the standalone Workrooms app on February 16, 2026. The virtual reality platform was launched with the intention of providing immersive meeting spaces for teams, but according to the company, its Horizon platform has evolved sufficiently to support a wide range of productivity apps and tools.
This move comes as part of Meta's broader efforts to restructure its metaverse ambitions. In recent months, the company has slashed spending on its reality labs division, resulting in over 1,000 layoffs and the closure of three VR studios. According to reports, Reality Labs has lost more than $70 billion since 2021.
As a result, Meta is now diverting resources from the metaverse towards other areas, such as wearables. The company's AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses are set to receive increased investment. Additionally, Horizon managed services โ a subscription service that helps organizations manage their Quest headsets โ will also be discontinued on February 16.
Users of the Workrooms app have been given notice that they will no longer be able to access the platform or retrieve any data stored within it starting on February 16. However, Meta has offered an exception, allowing users to download their data if needed before the end of the month.