Android XR
Android XR is an extended reality (XR) operating system developed by Google. Based on Android, it is designed to power both VR/MR headsets and smart glasses, with Google's Gemini AI assistant integrated at the system level. Android XR was announced on December 12, 2024[1], and shipped on its first device, the Samsung Galaxy XR headset, in October 2025[2].
History
Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm announced a partnership to build an extended reality platform in February 2023. Android XR was formally announced in December 2024 together with a developer preview of its SDK and the reveal of Samsung's Project Moohan headset[1]. The platform launched commercially in October 2025 with the Samsung Galaxy XR[2]. At Google I/O 2026, Google and partners previewed the platform's expansion to smart glasses, including Samsung's Galaxy Glasses and XREAL's Project Aura[3].
Features
- Gemini integration: Google's Gemini assistant is built into the OS and can perceive the user's surroundings (via passthrough cameras or glasses cameras) to answer questions and take actions contextually[1].
- App compatibility: Android XR runs the existing catalog of 2D Android apps from Google Play in floating windows, alongside natively spatialized applications[1].
- Open device ecosystem: Like Android for phones, Android XR is licensed to multiple hardware partners rather than being tied to a single device line[1].
Devices
- Samsung Galaxy XR — flagship headset, released October 2025[2]
- Samsung Galaxy Glasses — consumer smart glasses, unveiled at Google I/O 2026, expected late 2026[3]
- XREAL Project Aura — tethered Android XR glasses with a wide field of view, expected 2026[3]
Development
Developers can build for Android XR using the Jetpack XR SDK (Android Studio), Unity, OpenXR, and WebXR[4]. Existing Android applications can be made available on headsets with little or no modification, while spatial features can be added incrementally[4].
See Also
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Introducing Android XR: A new era for extended reality". December 12, 2024. https://blog.google/products/android/android-xr/.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Samsung Galaxy XR With Android XR Out Now For $1800, Controllers $250". October 2025. https://www.uploadvr.com/samsung-galaxy-xr-google-android-xr-out-now/.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Best smart glasses in 2026 — top AR and AI glasses to buy right now". 2026. https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/vr-ar/best-smart-glasses.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Android XR Developer Documentation". https://developer.android.com/xr.