Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg predicts physical screens and objects will give way to holograms, reshaping how we interact with technology and possibly reducing psychological clutter.
At a Glance
- Zuckerberg says most physical items—including screens and books—could be replaced by holograms viewed through AR glasses
- He described a ping-pong demo using holograms on a podcast with Theo Von
- Meta is developing AI-powered Orion AR glasses that could reach 1–2 billion users within four years
- Production costs for Orion reportedly reach $10,000 per pair, but commercial versions are expected in 4–8 years
- Meta’s Reality Labs has lost over $50 billion since 2019, yet continues heavy investment in AR and holographic tech
Visionary Pitch or Sci-Fi Leap Forward?
In a recent appearance on Theo Von’s podcast, Zuckerberg described a future where phones, TVs, and even books are replaced by holograms seen through AR glasses. He recalled a demo of a holographic ping-pong match, complete with paddles and a table visible only through wearable tech. Zuckerberg predicts that “one to two billion people” could swap smartphones for glasses within four years.
Meta’s flagship hardware project, the Orion AR glasses, is central to this vision. Despite a current prototype cost nearing $10,000 per unit, Meta plans to release consumer versions within 4 to 8 years. The company has already made initial moves with Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, aiming to bridge the gap between wearable tech and augmented environments.
Tech Business Gamble Meets Real-World Adoption
Meta’s AR pursuit has racked up enormous costs. Its Reality Labs division has logged over $50 billion in cumulative losses, including $8.3 billion in a single quarter, while only generating $793 million in sales. Despite this, the company is doubling down, squaring off against Apple and Google’s competing AR projects.
Zuckerberg argues the pivot isn’t just futuristic—it’s necessary. Physical devices, he claims, are “huge” and mentally taxing, creating unnecessary “psychological clutter.” He believes holograms can offer a cleaner, more immersive experience with fewer distractions and a more integrated lifestyle.
Risk, Reward—and Public Appetite
Still, public adoption is far from guaranteed. Consumers have balked at current headset prices, with Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s prototypes struggling to gain traction. Many users still prefer physical, shared experiences that holograms haven’t convincingly replicated.
The transition also raises new privacy concerns. As AR glasses become capable of recording, identifying, and sharing in real time, fears around surveillance and consent will likely intensify. These barriers could slow adoption despite technical feasibility.
Whether Meta’s vision becomes a global reality or remains a pricey pipe dream will depend on its ability to deliver affordable, functional, and privacy-conscious solutions at scale.
