Microsoft has officially halted production of the HoloLens 2, signaling an end to its augmented-reality headset journey and potentially marking a retreat from its ambitions in the metaverse. According to UploadVR, a Microsoft representative confirmed the discontinuation, although the company will continue to provide security updates for the headset until the end of 2027. Support is set to cease entirely in 2028.
This decision coincides with Microsoft’s discontinuation of support for Windows Mixed Reality devices in the Windows 11 2024 Update, which began rolling out recently. Users with Windows Mixed Reality headsets are advised against updating to the 2024 feature release if they wish to maintain compatibility with Valve’s Steam service.
When the HoloLens 2 was first introduced, it quickly found its niche in the enterprise market that Microsoft was courting. However, the adoption rate among enterprises has been tepid, and even a brief pivot toward the metaverse failed to reinvigorate interest. The departure of VR chief Alex Kipman and subsequent layoffs within the HoloLens division have compounded the headset’s challenges.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Army is still evaluating the HoloLens IVAS as a potential aid for soldiers, despite reports of mixed results in early tests. The initial excitement surrounding the HoloLens, particularly during memorable demonstrations at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Wash., feels like a distant memory. One standout presentation showcased Minecraft in an interactive, top-down view, illustrating the immersive possibilities of the technology. Today, however, HoloLens stands as a shadow of Microsoft’s ambitious vision, destined to join the growing list of discontinued products.
