Smartphones are a war-torn battlefield where Android and iOS have clashed for years. Both are fantastic operating systems, but the popularity of Apple’s devices consistently outshines everything else. Between 50% and 60% of the U.S. smartphone market belongs to the iPhone annually. However, that dominance is confined to smartphones.
Another form factor is taking flight: the XR headset. This burgeoning industry, where companies like Meta and Apple have the most notable offerings, is still finding its footing. Despite the meme-worthy hype around the Apple Vision Pro, Android XR has a better shot at making XR mainstream.
What is Android XR?
Google, in collaboration with Samsung, developed Android XR, an operating system designed to serve as the Android of the XR world. Similar to Android smartphones, manufacturers can load Android XR onto their devices. This operating system supports visual passthrough, hand gestures, and other key XR features. It brings the familiar Android experience to a floating interface in XR.
Android XR is built as an extension of the Android ecosystem. Its SDK allows developers to create XR apps using familiar tools like Jetpack XR, Unity, OpenXR, or WebXR. Additionally, compatible mobile apps will be available for installation on XR headsets through the Google Play Store.
So, why does Android XR have a better chance of hitting the mainstream than Apple’s Vision OS?
XR for All
Though the Apple Vision Pro initially garnered attention, its closed-off ecosystem mirrored Apple’s approach to iOS. This works for smartphones, but XR headsets are not as ubiquitous. Vision OS’s exclusivity limits its appeal to a niche device—an issue compounded by the Vision Pro’s high price and limited success.
In contrast, Android XR’s open-platform philosophy lowers the barrier to entry for manufacturers. Companies won’t have to build custom operating systems for their headsets; Android XR’s availability and Google’s commitment to software updates and maintenance remove this hurdle. The result? More manufacturers are entering the XR space, resulting in a wider variety of devices at different price points.
Price Accessibility
The Apple Vision Pro is priced at $3,500—a premium cost reflecting its advanced capabilities. However, not everyone can afford or justify spending that much on an XR headset. On the other hand, Android XR will run on headsets across a wide range of prices. From budget-friendly models to high-end devices, Android XR ensures that XR technology is accessible to people from all walks of life.
This affordability democratizes XR. Like Android’s impact on the smartphone market, Android XR will bring XR experiences to a broader audience, creating opportunities for innovation and iteration.
Apps and Software Ecosystem
An operating system’s success depends heavily on app availability. Android XR’s integration with the Google Play Store ensures a robust library of apps at launch, including existing mobile apps and games. Developers will be incentivized to create apps for a wide range of Android XR devices rather than a single niche device like the Vision Pro.
This open platform will attract developers of all sizes, encouraging innovation and experimentation. Unlike Apple’s restricted ecosystem, Android XR provides the freedom developers and users need to explore the full potential of XR.
Freedom and Flexibility
Apple’s Vision Pro also faced criticism for its heavy-handed approach to user control. Restrictions on gaming and certain types of media frustrated users who had paid a premium for a powerful multimedia device. Android XR’s open nature will avoid these pitfalls, allowing users to use their headsets however they see fit.
XR’s growth depends on hardware innovation and software diversity. Android XR’s open ecosystem encourages competition among manufacturers and developers. This virtuous cycle of iteration, emulation, and innovation will propel XR forward in ways Apple’s closed system cannot.
Wrapping It Up
This isn’t a hit piece on the Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s device is a remarkable technological achievement and a testament to the company’s engineering prowess. However, the XR market is different from the smartphone or computer market. It’s still growing, depending on competition, variety, and accessibility.
Android XR represents a brave new world of possibilities. It offers an open operating system that empowers users and manufacturers to chart new territory. By doing so, Android XR has the potential to achieve what Apple’s closed ecosystem couldn’t: making XR technology mainstream.
