Meta Platforms (META.O) has announced a strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence and metaverse development, revealing plans to shut down its work-focused app, Workplace, by June 2026. This decision highlights Meta’s commitment to emerging technologies that it believes will shape the future of work.
Launched in 2016, Workplace has amassed millions of users by offering features designed to enhance business communication, such as multi-company groups and collaborative spaces. Despite its success, Meta is prioritizing its substantial investments in AI and the metaverse, leading to the phase-out of the enterprise app. Customers will continue to have access to Workplace until August 2025, with billing and payment arrangements remaining unchanged until August 2024.
Workplace currently offers two pricing plans for organizations. The base monthly plan costs $4 per user, which can be augmented with additional features available through add-on subscriptions starting at $2 per user per month. For organizations without a fixed plan, billing is based on the number of active users each month.
To assist with the transition, Meta has partnered with Zoom’s Workvivo product as the preferred migration option for current Workplace users. This partnership aligns with Meta’s broader strategy to streamline its focus and resources on cutting-edge technologies.
The announcement comes amidst some analyst concerns about Meta’s rising expenditures on AI and metaverse projects, which could impact the company’s short-term growth. Despite these worries, Meta remains confident in its vision of a future driven by immersive virtual environments and advanced AI capabilities.
Meta’s decision to shutter Workplace underscores its dedication to leading the charge in AI and metaverse innovations. However, the financial implications of these multi-billion dollar investments continue to be a point of scrutiny among market observers.
