Tech Desk 
May 23, 2025
Meta is introducting a new way to interact with Instagram, and this time virtually. As part of its recent v77 update to Meta Quest headsets, the company is testing 3D photos for Instagram feeds using AI view synthesis technology.
The feature aims to simulate depth for regular 2D photos, at least in the case that they weren’t taken with a 3D camera.
Meta 3D photos feature in Instagram
As a result of the update, users who are scrolling through Instagram while wearing a Meta Quest headset will begin to see their photo feed pop out with more liveliness and layers than before.
Meta explained that the process happens “pixel by pixel”, as AI creates an immersive 3D experience.
Interestingly, it has the potential to transform the way people interact with photos, making them feel a little more real in a dynamic way for posts that are much more everyday.
However, not everyone will receive the feature right away. Meta is rolling out the 3D Instagram photos to a small group as part of a test, so it may not become visible to users immediately, even if they are part of the test group.
Previously, Meta had attempted a similar idea before for 3D photos on Facebook back in 2018, so this is the first time Meta is rolling this test on Instagram in VR.
The v77 update also includes several other test features for Meta Quest users. One is a Navigator; it’s a new dashboard that contains apps, games, friends and settings, which you can launch by pressing the Meta button or the Oculus button, depending on the right controller you have.
Meta has also added support for Bluetooth Low Energy audio devices, along with improved multitasking with the new window-follow feature.
Moreover, there is also a new app called Horizon for PC that combines Quest Link, the casting feature, and the remote desktop tools.
