Microsoft Discontinues HoloLens 2, No Follow-Up Device Planned

Microsoft has announced the discontinuation of its HoloLens 2 headset, signaling the end of its enterprise-focused augmented reality platform. According to sources, the company will not be producing a successor device, effectively closing the chapter on this innovative product line.

Microsoft has informed its customers and enterprise partners that they have limited time to purchase the remaining stock of HoloLens 2 headsets. Despite this, Microsoft plans to support existing HoloLens 2 users with critical security updates and software fixes until 2028. In contrast, the original HoloLens headset will cease to receive updates by December 10, just two months from now.

This decision, while surprising to some, comes after Microsoft previously scrapped plans for the HoloLens 3 in 2022. The company’s mixed reality chief, Alex Kipman, had previously downplayed rumors regarding the future of the HoloLens line, claiming that the technology was flourishing. However, the discontinuation of production indicates a shift in Microsoft’s strategy.

Launched in 2019, HoloLens 2 was targeted primarily at enterprise consumers, never truly penetrating the mass market. Despite its initial appeal and strong performance in enterprise applications, the product seems to have fallen short of necessary commercial viability. Notably, Microsoft had already begun phasing out its entire mixed reality software lineup last year.

As the tech community processes this change, many are left wondering about the future of AR and VR technologies under Microsoft’s stewardship and whether the company will pivot towards new innovations in this space.

For more information on this topic and its implications for the tech industry, visit Engadget.