Samsung takes on Apple’s Vision Pro with new Galaxy XR headset: Here’s everything we know

samsung galaxy xr

Samsung is entering the world of mixed reality in a big way. The company has launched its first-ever XR headset, called the Galaxy XR, and it’s being seen as a direct rival to Apple’s Vision Pro. The device is built on Android XR, a new operating system designed by Google to power the next generation of mixed-reality headsets and glasses.

At its core, Galaxy XR blends the real and virtual worlds, letting users switch between being fully immersed in digital spaces and staying aware of their surroundings. The headset relies on voice, hand, and eye tracking for control — no controllers required.

What makes Galaxy XR stand out is its deep integration with Gemini, Google’s AI assistant. The headset can “see” what you’re seeing and respond intelligently. Watching a basketball game? Just ask Gemini for player stats, and it’ll pull them up instantly. Browsing photos? Gemini can help organize or even transform your 2D images into 3D memories you can walk through.

Because it’s powered by Android, the headset supports millions of apps from Google Play — from YouTube, Google TV, and Maps to streaming services like HBO Max and Peacock. Google’s apps have been reimagined for XR, offering entirely new immersive experiences. For example, you can stroll through Tokyo’s streets in 3D via Google Maps or turn your living room into a personal movie theater.

The Galaxy XR also doubles as an infinite workspace. Users can open multiple windows — Chrome, Meet, Adobe apps, and more — and arrange them all around them. It even supports keyboards, mice, and PC connections for a complete desktop-like setup. And if your digital space gets cluttered, you can simply say, “Hey Google, organize these windows,” and Gemini will clean things up automatically.

Samsung is launching the Galaxy XR at a starting price of $1,799 (or $149 per month) in the US and Korea. Buyers can get it through Samsung’s website, Experience stores, or select Google Stores.

Early adopters can also grab the Explorer Pack, which bundles a year of Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass, and exclusive access to apps like Adobe’s Project Pulsar and Calm, along with sports streaming perks like NBA League Pass.

With Galaxy XR, Samsung and Google are clearly positioning themselves as serious contenders in the fast-growing mixed reality space — and it looks like the battle for the future of immersive computing has truly begun.