What Comes After HoloLens 2? Exploring Microsoft’s AR/VR Future

In October, Microsoft stated it would discontinue its HoloLens 2 headsets, with no immediate replacement planned. The company has hinted vaguely at what might come next, leaving the future of HoloLens uncertain. In some ways, there have been signs pointing to HoloLens’ demise for quite a while. My experiences have made me wonder if Microsoft may soon phase out the device.

For the past two years, I have been developing a HoloLens-based experiment that I will eventually take to space. The photograph below, taken just a couple of weeks ago, shows me suited up and wearing a HoloLens as I prepare to perform a test aboard a Virgin Galactic simulator.

Figure 1. I am wearing a HoloLens with my spacesuit.

I needed HoloLens 2 devices to develop this experiment, and so last year, I placed an order with Microsoft for one. Although I submitted the order in mid-October, the estimated delivery date was December 30^th—a two-and-a-half-month wait. I decided this timeline would work since I had other hardware to use until then. However, a couple of weeks later, I received an email stating that Microsoft would delay the delivery to February.

Needless to say, I canceled the order and ordered a headset from a Microsoft partner instead. Unfortunately, this proved challenging, as well. Most partners I contacted had sold out of HoloLens devices. I eventually found a retailer with just six headsets left in stock. The unexpected difficulty in purchasing a headset raised questions about Microsoft’s commitment to the HoloLens, leaving me to wonder if Microsoft might discontinue the device altogether.

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Microsoft’s VR/AR Future

The discontinuation of HoloLens 2 casts doubts on the future of Microsoft’s VR and AR initiatives. Along with last year’s shutdown of the Windows Mixed Reality portal, these moves suggest Microsoft may be scaling back its investments.

However, Microsoft is still exploring ways to use its AR/VR technology. As reported by The Verge, the company continues to develop the Integrated Visual Augmentation System headsets for military applications. Additionally, Microsoft may be working to adapt HoloLens technology to the automotive world; in 2022, Microsoft announced a partnership with Volkswagen and Audi to integrate AR/VR experiences into vehicles. Audi has since showcased concept cars equipped with AR technology, though it is unclear whether this technology will reach production. Audi has also released a short video demonstrating its SkySphere AR technology.

But what about the future for businesses and consumers that want to use HoloLens technology? Despite the discontinuation of the HoloLens 2, existing devices will remain functional and officially supported until the end of 2027. After that, while the devices will operate, sourcing replacement parts—especially batteries—may become increasingly challenging.

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The Discontinuation Through a Different Lens

According to The Verge, Microsoft has hinted at a “meaningful update” for the HoloLens in the future. Although there are no specific details yet, I suspect that Microsoft may take the same approach to updating the Surface Studio.

The release pattern of the Surface Studio closely mirrors that of the HoloLens. Microsoft launched the first-generation Surface Studio device, followed by the Surface Studio 2. For a time, it seemed that Microsoft largely abandoned the Surface Studio line. Eventually, the company released the Surface Studio 2+—an updated version of the Surface Studio 2 with current hardware, though not an entirely new model.

I wouldn’t be at all surprised if Microsoft follows this pattern with a HoloLens 2+ device. This model could run Windows 11 (as HoloLens 2 currently uses Windows 10) and feature a faster CPU, more memory, and increased storage. However, I don’t expect a redesign; Microsoft would likely treat this as a refresh rather than a new HoloLens generation, meaning principal components like the form factor, optics, or sensors would likely remain unchanged.

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We must wait to see what Microsoft ultimately decides regarding its HoloLens technology. As for my “HoloLens in space” project, I may need to explore other options, such as transitioning to a competing platform like the Apple Vision Pro.