Android XR Launch: Google’s New AR/VR OS Explained

Last week, Google announced a new platform within its Android ecosystem — effectively Google’s answer to Apple’s VisionOS.

Though still in the developer preview stage, the operating system is designed to support the future of Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR) devices.

According to Google, the platform will provide developers with “endless opportunities” to create immersive experiences that merge the digital and physical worlds. This will be achieved using familiar Android APIs, tools, and open standards for Extended Reality (XR).

As expected, the competition in the XR space might get tougher as Android enters the scene. But how will the Android XR news shape the future of AI-powered headsets and smart glasses?

Here is everything we know so far on the Android XR operating system — and potentially an exciting new chapter in Android.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. What Is Android XR?
3. What to Expect From the New Android XR
4. When Do We Expect Android XR?
5. What Devices Will Feature the Android XR?
6. How Does Android XR Compare to Android 15 or Android 16?
7. The Bottom Line
8. FAQs
9. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. What Is Android XR?
3. What to Expect From the New Android XR
Show Full Guide
4. When Do We Expect Android XR?
5. What Devices Will Feature the Android XR?
6. How Does Android XR Compare to Android 15 or Android 16?
7. The Bottom Line
8. FAQs
9. References

What Is Android XR?

Android XR is a new operating system developed by Google for future extended reality devices. The OS is designed to be an open and unified platform for the XR headsets, which for users means more choice of devices and access to Android apps they already use.

Google’s Android XR was developed in partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm, and it is the first Google OS created wholly in the Gemini artificial intelligence era.

The extended reality OS preview, which is now available for developers, already supports tools like ARCore, Android Studio, Jetpack Compose, Unity, and OpenXR. This will allow developers to easily start building apps and games for upcoming Android XR devices.

What to Expect From the New Android XR

The first device with the Android XR platform might not arrive until 2025, but Google has already shared some information on what to expect with its XR operating system.

In a new blog post, the Android maker claimed it would bring many of its traditional Android apps straight to an Android XR device, but in a “reimagined” way.

For example, Android XR will allow users to watch Google TV and YouTube on a virtual big screen or relive their cherished memories with Google Photos in 3D. This resembles what you get with spatial photos or videos on the Apple Vision Pro.

“Circle to Search” is another feature that will be added to allow users to quickly find information on what is in front of them with just a “simple gesture.”

Google also revealed that the Gemini AI will play a huge role in the functionality of the Android XR.

AI is expected to allow VR or AR users to interact or share information on what they see or control using their headsets or glasses.

Another thing to note is that Android XR can allow people to explore new ways with the Google Map above cities and landmarks in an immersive view.

Google also hinted that mobile and tablet apps on its Google Play Store will also be available on Android VR headsets. This means more apps, games, and immersive content made for XR will be “arriving next year.”

When Do We Expect Android XR?

The developer preview of the Android XR SDK is already available for developers to review. The product’s full maturity is expected in 2025, as Google revealed that it will soon begin “real-world testing of prototype glasses running Android XR” with a small group of users.

For now, the only reveal from Google about Android XR availability is on a Samsung XR headset, which the company stated will be the first device to feature the new XR operating system when it arrives next year.

What Devices Will Feature the Android XR?

Google is yet to say which devices will feature its Android XR OS. However, the first device to run on the new Android XR will likely be a VR headset from Samsung code-named “Project Moohan.”

Samsung is expected to launch this VR device next year, and there are speculations that the headset borrowed some aesthetics from the Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro.

Google might decide to develop its branded VR device with the Android XR in the future, but for now, we are only looking at Samsung debuting a headset with the new OS in 2025.

How Does Android XR Compare to Android 15 or Android 16?

Both Android XR and traditional Android operating systems are iterations from Google. However, they serve different purposes.

The Android XR is engineered for extended reality devices and integrates AI and immersive technologies to facilitate natural interactions in virtual environments.

On the other hand, platforms like the Android 15 or even the upcoming Android 16 are developed for mobile devices, and they focus on enhancing performance, security, and user experiences in those devices.

The Bottom Line

Apple’s launch of the mixed reality headset Vision Pro earlier this year has fired up the AR and VR wearable sector.

With the mixed reality market currently valued at over $4 billion and expected to exceed $81 billion by 2037, it’s no surprise that Google is looking to make a lasting mark with the launch of its Android XR operating system.

While the Android XR platform still holds many unknowns, two key takeaways are already emerging: Android XR will leverage Google’s Gemini AI to smooth out XR interactions and make them more intuitive, and it will support a diverse range of devices, from mixed-reality headsets to AR glasses, with the goal of building a unified ecosystem for both developers and users.

We will wait to see how this plays out, but long-term Android fans might well be excited by their favorite operating system appearing on a new canvas — right in front of their eyes.

FAQs