Samsung’s upcoming XR headset might be delayed because of Apple

With Apple unveiling the 'Vision Pro' last month, it looks like Samsung and Google are reassessing their strategy and making some changes to their upcoming XR headset, which may be called 'Galaxy Glasses'.

It looks like Samsung's upcoming XR headset might take on Apple's Vision Pro. (Image Source: Pixabay)

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Earlier this year, Samsung and Google announced that they were working together on a new mixed-reality headset. Dubbed ‘Galaxy Glasses’, it will be powered by a Qualcomm chipset and designed by Samsung with Google working on the software front.

The headset was initially reported to make it to the general public sometime later this year, but it looks like we will have to wait a bit more. According to a report by SBS Biz, Samsung has sent some memos to its display panel partners which suggests the headset is delayed and that we might see it sometime next year. It goes on to say that ‘we decided to review all internal specifications and performance, such as the design and panel of the new XR product.’

Extended Reality, often termed ‘XR’, is an umbrella term that covers Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Mixed Reality. In June, Apple reignited interest in augmented reality headsets by unveiling the Vision Pro. The technology-packed headset allows users to control things on a virtual screen by simply using the wearer’s eyes, hands and voice.

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Samsung seems to be impressed by Apple’s $3,500 headset and we might see the South Korean phone maker pack its upcoming XR headset with better internals that offer more performance and an updated design. This might also mean that Samsung might want to compete with Apple’s offering instead of focusing on making it a gaming headset like the recently released Meta Quest 3.

Last week, it came to light that Apple has scaled back Vision Pro production plans due to design complexity, with some estimating that the tech giant will be able to make somewhere around 400,000 units in a year. If Samsung manages to take on Apple with its upcoming headset and avoid the manufacturing difficulties the latter is currently facing, it might give the South Korean giant a much needed headstart.