The Oculus Quest, which was launched in 2019, is facing a disappointing turn of events come May. New apps released in the Quest Store will no longer be playable on the Quest 1. This decision is not due to lack of power in the Quest 1, but rather a move by developers to no longer support it. This announcement of planned obsolescence by Meta has left many users frustrated.
As of April 30th, new Quest Store apps will not be visible to players using the Quest 1. Developers will also be unable to upload new apps that exclusively support the Quest 1. Even builds for new apps that do support multiple headsets, including the Quest 1, will have Quest 1 support blocked. This decision by Meta signals the end of an era for Quest 1 users.
While new apps will no longer support the Quest 1, existing apps that currently do will continue to be available. However, Meta’s announcement last year indicated a gradual phasing out of Quest 1 support, with security updates, bug fixes, and certain social features already being discontinued for Quest 1 users. The Oculus SDK also ceased supporting Quest 1 in April 2023.
Unfortunate Comparison to Console Generations
The move to phase out the Quest 1 draws an unfortunate comparison to the planned obsolescence seen in traditional console generations. However, while console generations typically offer significant graphical upgrades over time, the Quest 1 is only five years old, with the Quest 2 being released just 18 months after it. This leaves a questionable value proposition for users, as the decision to upgrade feels forced rather than justified by technological advancements.
The decision by Meta to discontinue support for the Quest 1 is a disappointing one for users. The lack of clear benefits in upgrading to the Quest 2, coupled with the relatively short lifespan of the Quest 1, leaves many feeling frustrated with the company’s approach to product development. As the Quest 1 faces its end, users can only hope for more transparency and consideration in future hardware releases from Meta.
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