Samsung
Samsung has officially stated that it plans to introduce an XR device, projected to be released next year.
In its latest third-quarter earnings report, the company provided updates regarding its extended reality (XR) project, previously indicating a 2024 rollout. Now, Samsung aims to enhance connectivity across its devices, including the forthcoming XR offerings, targeting a launch for 2025.
Although specific details about the XR devices were not disclosed in the earnings report, there’s already a buzz surrounding these potential products. Samsung has been collaborating with Qualcomm and Google since 2023 on a mixed-reality product capable of supporting augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and XR functions.
Despite the lack of details about this collaboration, it’s reasonable to speculate how it may unfold. Samsung will likely contribute its branding, design, and user experience, while Qualcomm will supply the chipset, and Google will develop the software. Qualcomm’s latest XR chip, the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, became available in January 2024. The three companies reaffirmed their intentions during Samsung’s Galaxy Unpacked event in July.
The uncertainty surrounding Samsung’s XR device may stem from the limited information available about its features. However, a recent report from Android Authority highlighted an update to the Google Play Store, which now includes support for XR headset app installations, coinciding with Samsung’s third-quarter guidance release. Notably, no other Android manufacturers are currently known to be developing XR devices, suggesting that Google is positioning itself in anticipation of its collaboration with Samsung.
Sony
Samsung has now confirmed a projected timeline for 2025. In fact, Business Insider reported as early as July that the Samsung XR project would not see a 2024 launch, potentially debuting in March 2025 instead.
While there have been no updates until now, industry analysts anticipate that this device could compete with the Apple Vision Pro, which launched in February at a price of $3,500. Previous reports have suggested that the Android-based XR platform might retail between $1,000 and $1,500.
Samsung and Apple are not the only players in the XR space. Sony has showcased its upcoming XR headset since July, and Meta is actively collaborating with companies such as Lenovo and Asus for future headsets in its Horizon OS ecosystem, following the recent release of the Quest 3S.