The Oculus Quest 1, released just five years ago in 2019, is already facing planned obsolescence by Meta. As of May, new apps released in the Quest Store will not be playable on the Quest 1. This decision is not based on the Quest 1’s lack of power to run these apps but rather on a deliberate move by developers to stop supporting the older headset. Meta announced this planned obsolescence last year, and it will come into effect on April 30th. New Quest Store apps will no longer be visible to Quest 1 users, and developers will be unable to upload new apps exclusively for the Quest 1.
Meta’s decision to wind up support for the Quest 1 also includes the discontinuation of security updates and bug fixes, scheduled to end in August. Existing apps that currently support the Quest 1 will still be accessible, but the development of new apps exclusively for the Quest 1 is being blocked. Additionally, Quest 1 users have already lost access to certain social features, further alienating this segment of the Oculus community. The Oculus SDK stopped supporting Quest 1 in April 2023, leaving Quest 1 users with a limited experience compared to Quest 2 users.
The treatment of the Quest 1 by Meta raises concerns about the fairness of planned obsolescence in the gaming industry. While console generations often undergo planned obsolescence, the Quest 1’s short lifespan of five years before becoming obsolete raises eyebrows. The release of the Quest 2 just 18 months after the Quest 1 further highlights the rapid pace at which Meta is moving away from supporting older devices. Unlike console generations, where advancements in graphics and hardware justify moving on to newer models, the Quest 1’s discontinuation feels premature and unjust for its users.
Meta’s decision to phase out the Quest 1 raises questions about the value proposition for consumers. Unlike traditional console upgrades where graphical improvements drive the transition to a new system, the Quest 1’s demise seems driven more by corporate decisions rather than technological advancements. Instead of enticing users with better visuals and improved performance, Meta is essentially forcing Quest 1 users to upgrade to the Quest 2 for continued access to new content.
Meta’s treatment of the Oculus Quest 1 through planned obsolescence is concerning and raises ethical questions about consumer rights and fair practices in the gaming industry. As technology continues to evolve rapidly, it is important for companies like Meta to consider the impact of their decisions on users and strive for a more balanced and user-friendly approach to hardware upgrades.