Meta has begun rolling out Version 85 (v85) for Meta Quest VR headsets, starting the week of January 26, 2026, for users enrolled in the Public Test Channel (PTC). As with most Quest updates, the rollout is gradual, meaning some features may take weeks to appear for all users. Being in the PTC means you get access to things sooner, but also means that you are exposed to more bugs and things that need fixing. I have some of the features already but not all. And I’ve also noticed a difference between my Quest 3 and 3s so it isn’t even account base.
v85 is a notable update and dare I say actually a good one. It continues Meta’s push toward streamlined navigation, productivity features, accessibility improvements, and stronger privacy protections, while also quietly moving away from some legacy systems inside Horizon OS. Which I’m sure I’m not the only one that is happy about that last point.
Here’s a full breakdown of what’s new and why it matters.
Horizon Feed Is Being Phased Out
One of the biggest structural changes in v85 is the gradual sunsetting of Horizon Feed in VR. If you’re like me, as soon as you power up your Meta Quest, you instantly close the feed and move right into the library to choose the game you came to play. Horizon Feed has long been Meta’s hub for discovery, social content, and experiences, but it seems to just be in the way for most users.
In its place, Meta is continuing to roll out the new Navigator. A newer system designed to make exploration in VR faster and more intuitive. Navigator is currently being tested with a small group of users and will expand over future releases. I had the Navigator in early November, and then the beginning of January it was removed again. It must really be a small batch of testers but they have confirmed that it is coming back.
Why this matters:
This signals a broader UI shift away from social-first discovery and toward faster, more utility-driven navigation which something many Quest users have been asking for.
I give this aspect of the update a thumbs up as it removed unnecessary start up windows and makes the experience smoother.
Ongoing Activities Bar Gets a Visual Refresh
The Ongoing Activities bar has received a cleaner, more consistent design in v85. This bar gives you quick access to active tasks like:
- Recording video
- Taking calls
- Controlling media playback
The update doesn’t radically change functionality yet, but Meta says this redesign lays the groundwork for future enhancements and deeper feature integration.
Why this matters:
It’s a quality-of-life update now, but likely a foundation for multitasking improvements later.
New “Hide Hands” Gesture
v85 introduces a small but surprisingly useful feature: the ability to hide your virtual hands when you don’t need them.
Once enabled:
- Turn on Expanded Quick Actions in Movement Tracking settings
- Look at your palm, pinch and hold to open the menu
- Select Hide Hands
Though I don’t have it yet, this is where it will show up:
Your hands disappear temporarily and can be brought back by repeating the gesture. Hands will always reappear after restarting the headset.
Why this matters:
This is especially helpful for media viewing, browsing, or productivity scenarios where floating hands can feel distracting.
I give this update a thumbs up as well. There have been many times where I have been watching movies or sports games and while eating a snack the Quest thinks I’m clicking something and all of a sudden the movie pauses or jumps ahead because it’s just perfectly lined up with the time on the bottom. Now, this will no longer be an issue.
Surface Keyboard and Touchpad (Quest 3 Only – Experimental)
One of the most interesting additions in v85 is the Surface Keyboard and Touchpad, an experimental feature exclusive to Meta Quest 3.
This feature turns any desk or table into:
- A virtual keyboard for typing
- A touchpad for cursor control
Supported gestures include:
- Move cursor with index finger
- Tap to click
- Double-tap and drag
- Two-finger scrolling (index + middle finger)
Meta is clear that this is aimed at casual productivity, not heavy writing. A physical keyboard is still recommended for long sessions.
Why this matters:
This is a big step toward making Quest more viable for light productivity without accessories and hints at Meta’s long-term mixed-reality ambitions.
I also give this one a thumbs up. I’ve tested this new keyboard quite intensely and am honestly impressed with it. It has made using the browsers and the search bars so much easier. I usually type at a speed between 90-100 words per minute. With the virtual keyboard, I was able to still get 70-75 words per minute and pretty accurately. My biggest complaint is that there is no physical notches on the “F” and “J” keys to help recenter yourself!
Check out how to enable the Surface Keyboard here!
Action Button Customization on Meta Quest 3S
If you own a Meta Quest 3S, v85 finally lets you customize the action button. Before the update, it only switches between VR and MR. As I don’t have the update yet (trying to get it on my 3s), I am unsure of all of the options that will be available for the button.
You can now assign different system actions to:
- A short press
- A long press
This allows faster access to frequently used features without leaving your current experience.
Why this matters:
It’s a simple update, but one that adds real convenience and personalization—especially for power users.
Thumbs up for this update as well. Why not make that button more versatile!
On-Device Malware Scanning
Meta Quest now includes local malware scanning for apps when they’re installed or updated.
If an app is flagged:
- You’ll receive a notification
- You can uninstall the app or stop the installation immediately
All scanning happens on-device, not in the cloud.
Why this matters:
As Quest continues to open up to more apps and sideloading, this adds a much-needed layer of security.
Thumbs up. Added security is always nice.
New Privacy Indicator
v85 introduces a privacy indicator to show when apps access sensitive permissions like:
- Microphone
- Camera
- Location
In 2D and theater-mode apps, this appears as a persistent purple dot in the control bar. Tapping it reveals more details and permission controls.
Why this matters:
This brings Quest closer to modern smartphone privacy standards and gives users clearer visibility into how apps use their data.
Voice Control for Hands-Free Navigation
Meta Quest now supports Voice Control, allowing you to navigate and interact with 2D panels using:
- Voice commands
- Head movements
This feature improves accessibility for users with limited hand mobility and also offers a convenient hands-free option for everyone. Visual and audio feedback confirms each action.
Voice Control can be enabled in the Accessibility section of Settings.
Why this matters:
This is a meaningful accessibility upgrade and another signal that Meta is investing in alternative input methods beyond controllers.
Anchored Browser in Home
The Quest Browser can now be anchored directly in your Home environment, giving you instant access to the web without launching it from your app library. You can pin it anywhere in your home environment. Below you can see that I pinned it to this wall.
The browser appears in a dedicated spot on your virtual wall and can be removed or re-added at any time through the in-world menu.
Why this matters:
It reinforces the idea of Quest Home as a functional workspace, not just a launch area.
They had already been working towards this and I think this is a page that many will want to be anchored in their home environment.
Passkey Login Support in Meta Quest Browser
Finally, v85 adds passkey login support in the Meta Quest Browser for supported websites like:
- YouTube
- Discord
Instead of passwords, passkeys use secure device-stored credentials unlocked with your passcode, offering better security and faster logins.
Why this matters:
This is a modern security feature that makes browsing in VR smoother and safer, especially for frequently used sites.
Final Thoughts On the V85 Meta Quest Update
Meta Quest v85 isn’t a flashy, headline-grabbing update, but it’s an important one that is actually good for the most part. It focuses on:
- UI cleanup and modernization
- Early productivity experimentation
- Better privacy and security
- Accessibility improvements
More importantly, it shows Meta continuing to shift Quest toward a lighter, faster, more practical mixed-reality platform, even as it quietly retires features that didn’t resonate with users.
If you’re in the Public Test Channel, expect features to appear gradually, and if history is any indicator, some of these experimental tools will evolve significantly over the next few updates.
