Meta Quest's new passthrough API appears on support page
The published support documents indicate an imminent release of Meta's new Passthrough API.
Meta appears to be gearing up for the release of its new Passthrough API, as documentation has surfaced prematurely in the Quest's help section. The interface, called "Headset Cameras Permission," will give developers access to the headset's front-facing passthrough cameras.
According to the documentation, authorized apps will be able to access real-time camera feeds showing the unobstructed view of the physical environment.
The API opens up several key capabilities for developers:
Apps can recognize and integrate physical objects like game pieces or boards for digital board games. They can also adapt experiences based on detected locations — whether users are indoors, outdoors, at specific points of interest, or in particular types of rooms.
Additionally, developers can apply their own machine learning models to the camera data. This enables features like retexturing, shading, games involving non-headset participants, person/animal recognition, and specialized industrial and training applications.
The API also provides important metadata to developers, including focal length, image center, image dimensions, and camera position relative to the device center.
Meta has implemented privacy safeguards — Quest users must explicitly approve camera access through a headset popup. The permission settings show which apps have accessed the camera in the past week, and users can revoke permissions at any time.
Meta seems to have posted the documentation for Horizon OS' Passthrough API (Headset Cameras Permission) ahead of its release on their support docs. pic.twitter.com/bWb2nyN320
AdAd- Luna (@Lunayian) March 3, 2025
Meta announced the Passthrough API as early as 2024
Meta first announced the Passthrough API at last year's Connect conference, promising an early 2025 release. Mark Rabkin, a Meta executive, said it would "enable all kinds of innovative MR experiences" including tracked objects, AI applications, fancy overlays, and scene understanding.
Until now, Meta has restricted apps to accessing only abstract environmental data, like basic 3D room scans and furniture outlines. The company's hesitation to grant full camera access likely stemmed from concerns about potential backlash.
Apple already allows companies to access the Vision Pro's passthrough feed, but only for internal apps — consumer apps are excluded. Android XR, announced in late 2024, will include passthrough access from launch.
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