In a surprising turn of events, a teardown of the Meta Quest 3S by iFixit has revealed that the latest virtual reality headset is essentially a souped-up version of its predecessor, the Meta Quest 2. The discovery has significant implications for the tech and startup community, as it highlights Meta's cost-cutting measures and potential for future innovation.

The teardown, published on iFixit's blog, reveals that the Quest 3S uses many of the same components as the Quest 2, including Fresnel lenses, an IPD adjustment mechanism, and a single LCD panel. However, the 3S also boasts some key upgrades, including two IR sensors for depth mapping, which performed exceptionally well in unlit spaces.

The use of legacy parts is likely a deliberate move by Meta to reduce costs, with the Quest 3S priced at $299.99 compared to the Quest 3's $499.99. This strategy could have a ripple effect on the industry, as other companies may follow suit in an effort to make VR technology more accessible to the masses.