Newsletter
Ever since its announcement, the Apple Vision Pro headset has been all over the news, thanks in part due to the company’s implementation of spatial computing and immersive movie experience. And although Apple isn’t the only one developing AR devices, the Vision Pro’s launch has had such an impact that Samsung has now reportedly gone back to the drawing board on its XR headset.
According to a report by SBS Biz, the Samsung XR headset, originally planned for release in February 2024, will now launch at least six months later, pushing it to mid-2024. Sources suggest that this delay is mainly due to the influence of Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which has prompted significant changes in design, internal specifications, and performance. However, one of the key reasons for the delay is Samsung’s decision to incorporate higher-resolution displays in its headsets compared to Apple’s.
“I understand that the decision was made considering the specifications of Apple’s mixed reality (MR) headset ‘Vision Pro,’ a competitor. We decided to reconsider,” states the report.
Partnering with Google and Qualcomm
Although the Samsung XR headset is still a Samsung product, Google has reportedly abandoned its plans to develop its headset and is now partnering with Samsung to develop the software. This decision highlights the shared objective of Samsung and Google to position XR as a platform rather than creating a direct rival to the upcoming Meta Quest 3 headset or the Apple Vision Pro. Additionally, Samsung has joined forces with Qualcomm to develop a chipset for the upcoming device, although specific details remain unclear.
However, similar to Apple’s production challenges, developing a platform like this comes with its own set of difficulties, such as the need to establish entirely new production lines. Furthermore, unlike Apple, which has already generated widespread interest in its headset, Samsung’s success will depend on its ability to offer a more affordable price while delivering a comparable user experience.