Samsung Confirms Its Apple Vision Pro Rival Headset is Coming 2025
- Samsung’s long-awaited XR headset is finally on the way – here’s why it’s got Apple worried.
- With Google and Qualcomm on board, Samsung’s aiming to outshine Apple’s Vision Pro in 2025.
- A new XR platform, a high-tech image sensor, and a rumored price tag – Samsung’s ready to shake up the XR world.
Samsung has set its sights on the extended reality (XR) market, confirming its plans to launch an XR headset aimed at rivaling Apple Vision Pro in 2025. This commitment, outlined in a recent earnings call, signals Samsung's intensified push to bridge connectivity across its devices, particularly with its upcoming XR products. 
Photo via Straight Arrow News // The Apple Vision Pro, Apple's virtual reality headset.
Here’s what we know so far:
Samsung’s XR Strategy
During the earnings call, Samsung emphasized plans to “improve connectivity among products, including upcoming XR devices,” a clear indication that its XR headset ambitions are on track for 2025. Samsung's XR product has been on the radar since 2023, yet the delay has stirred curiosity and speculation. Many wonder, what’s taking so long?
Analysts suggest that Samsung’s cautious approach might be due to its desire to release a device that can truly “dazzle users,” especially in light of the high bar set by Apple Vision Pro.
Samsung restarted its design process for the XR headset from scratch when the Vision Pro was revealed and significantly exceeded its expectations.— SBS Biz
Key Partnerships
Samsung’s XR headset is expected to leverage the expertise of its key partners:
- Qualcomm: Likely to provide the headset’s processing power, as it does for Samsung’s premium Galaxy smartphones.
- Google: Expected to supply the platform for the device, potentially an “Android XR” Google operating system, which industry insiders believe could become Google’s answer to Apple’s visionOS.
At the close of the Galaxy Unpacked 2024 event, Google’s Rick Osterloh highlighted this partnership, stating, “a new XR platform is coming later this year.” The timing seems too coincidental, with Samsung’s headset development underway, making this partnership almost inevitable.
Photo via Google // Qualcomm, Samsung and Google recently announced a 'XR' partnership.
Emerging Clues
A recent report by Android Authority speculates that Google’s Play Store will soon host apps specifically designed for XR headsets. With limited Android-based XR hardware on the market, this move all but confirms Samsung’s XR ambitions.
Samsung's rumored price point, between $1,000 and $1,500, hints at its determination to compete directly with the Apple Vision Pro. This price positioning places Samsung’s device closer to the Vision Pro, which carries a higher price tag, but Samsung’s device is rumored to outperform Apple’s in terms of specifications—a bold claim, yet not impossible, considering Samsung's commitment to high-performance tech.
Samsung’s Display Innovation: The ISOCELL Version 931
Adding to the intrigue, Samsung might employ the ISOCELL Version 931 image sensor, which mimics the human eye with a rolling shutter that captures pixels simultaneously, enhancing image quality and depth perception—both crucial for XR experiences. This technology could give Samsung’s device a visual edge in the XR arena.
The Road Ahead
With Meta’s Quest series already popular and Apple Vision Pro carving out the high-end XR market, Samsung’s XR entry will face strong competition. However, Samsung’s track record in high-quality displays, coupled with its partnerships with Qualcomm and Google, could set the stage for an impressive debut.
Photo via Meta // The Meta Quest 3S, Meta's latest VR headset.
Industry Reactions and What to Expect
Samsung’s XR device has spurred excitement but also questions. Tom’s Guide forecasts a competitive edge for Samsung, citing its likely premium features at a price point well below Apple’s. While Apple and Meta have established software ecosystems, Samsung’s entry could diversify the XR landscape further, especially if Google’s XR platform becomes widely adopted.
“Samsung’s ambition to create a device capable of outshining Apple’s Vision Pro at a lower price is no small task,” commented one analyst.
Photo via Apple // The Apple Vision Pro, announced at WWDC '23.
As 2025 approaches, anticipation builds around Samsung’s next move. The XR space is evolving, and with Samsung finally joining the fray, we’re likely to witness an even fiercer competition in immersive technology.
For the latest on Samsung’s XR developments and insights into the extended reality market, stay tuned to Apple Scoop.
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