Quest v78 Update Sharpens Passthrough Camera API on Quest 3

Quest v78 Upgrades Passthrough Camera API — Quest 3 Becomes an Entry-Level 3D Camera

Meta’s Quest 3 just got a powerful software upgrade. The latest Horizon OS v78 update significantly enhances the passthrough camera API, transforming what was once a developer-only tool into a surprisingly capable entry-level 3D camera. While this doesn’t change what users see inside the headset, it opens up exciting possibilities for developers, content creators, and VR enthusiasts.

What’s New in Horizon OS v78?

Released in late August 2025, Horizon OS v78 brings a notable bump in image quality for developers working with the passthrough camera API. Specifically, the improvement applies to the Quest 3 and Quest 3S color cameras.

This upgrade only affects the developer-facing feed used for app creation—not the live passthrough that headset wearers see. But for creators building mixed reality and AR features, it’s a big step forward.

Background: The Passthrough Camera API

Earlier this year, the passthrough camera API became production-ready, allowing developers to integrate camera-based features into live Horizon Store apps. With user permission, apps can process raw camera data, lens metadata, and even track headset positioning in real time.

The applications are wide-ranging: scanning QR codes, creating room-aware experiences, or even running AI-driven recognition systems. Before v78, though, the captured images were often grainy and full of artifacts—limiting real-world use cases.

Clearer, Cleaner Captures

The new update fixes those issues. Developers immediately noticed that image clarity improved dramatically after v78 rolled out. One VR app creator described older captures as “pixelated with a ripple effect,” but now reports that the images look sharper and cleaner.

This boost doesn’t magically make Quest 3 a pro-level 3D camera, but it does make it far more useful for testing, prototyping, and even casual immersive capture.

Why It Matters

🎥 Accessible 3D Capture

For the first time, Quest 3 can function as an entry-level 3D camera. Creators can capture and share immersive content without needing expensive dedicated hardware.

🛠️ Better Tools for Developers

Cleaner passthrough data means AR and MR developers can push their apps further—whether it’s mixed-reality training, puzzle games, or art tools.

🌍 Competitive Pressure

Other headsets, like Apple Vision Pro and Pico 4 Ultra, already advertise native 3D capture. This update hints that Meta may be preparing Quest for similar system-level features in the future.

The Limitations

Even with the v78 update, there are still boundaries developers need to keep in mind:

• Not Live Passthrough: The upgrade only improves the API feed, not what the headset user sees directly.

• Resolution & Frame Rate: The feed is still capped at 1280×960 per camera at 30 FPS, with 40–60 ms latency. That’s fine for prototyping, but not great for fast-action use cases.

• Still Behind Pro Gear: Dedicated devices like the Xreal Beam Pro or Canon’s spatial lens for EOS R7 continue to outperform Quest in raw quality.

What’s Next for Quest 3?

This update shows Meta’s willingness to refine passthrough tools and empower developers. If system-level 3D capture does arrive on Quest 3, it would position the headset not just as a gaming device, but as an all-in-one VR and MR creation tool.

For VR gamers and creators alike, Quest continues to evolve. Whether you’re exploring the best VR shooters (link to your Six VR FPS article), checking out new releases like Syberia VR (link to your Syberia blog post), or joining our Redrum Shooting Club community (link to membership page), the future of VR is looking sharper than ever.

Summary at a Glance