Samsung and Google's XR headset. | Image credit – PhoneArena
It’s been over 10 years since Google’s last venture into AR with Google Glass. Now, rumors about the tech giant’s new AR/VR headset, codenamed “Project Iris,” are a bit all over the place.
Some sources suggest that Google has paused the project to focus on working with Samsung on an AR headset, which has been getting more attention lately. However, there are also signs that Google is still pushing ahead with Project Iris.
That said, with Apple already releasing its own AR/VR headset (the Apple Vision Pro, unveiled at WWDC 2023), Google might just follow suit. So, here’s a roundup of everything we know so far about this rumored device.
In short, Google might be diving into dedicated hardware with an AR/VR headset. However, the device should still be in the early stages of development, which means the information we have is just preliminary and could change as things progress.
In the past, multiple sources have hinted that Google is preparing to launch an AR/VR headset. Both market analysts and reliable leakers agree that Google is making a strategic move into the AR/VR space, but unfortunately, nothing has been officially confirmed or even teased by the company just yet.
The biggest scoop on the Google AR/VR headset comes in the form of an article published by the Verge some time ago based on internal information disclosed by two anonymous Google employees.
According to the article, the Google AR/VR headset will use outward-facing cameras to merge computer graphics with a live video feed of the real world, offering a more immersive mixed reality experience compared to current AR glasses.
Given the earlier speculation about whether the device will be released at all, it's best to approach any release date predictions with a grain of salt for now.
The closest we’ve seen to Google stepping into the AR/VR space is its collaboration with Samsung. Last year, Google, Samsung, and Qualcomm teamed up in the extended reality (XR) arena with the launch of Android XR, a new operating system specifically designed for VR, AR, and MR headsets.
Earlier this year, during the unveiling of the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung teased its next-gen VR headset developed with Google. Called Project Moohan, this device promises a groundbreaking XR experience, allowing users to transition seamlessly between virtual and real environments.
The VR headset developed by Samsung and Google. | Image credit – Samsung
A hands-on video showcasing the Samsung and Google XR headset revealed that the two tech giants are working together to create mixed-reality hardware and software that will be more open and accessible than Apple’s XR headset, with more apps and experiences. However, it’s still unclear whether Google is working on its own hardware independently of the Samsung collaboration.
Google AR/VR headset price
Given the limited details on the hardware specifications of the Google AR/VR headset, accurately predicting its final price is challenging. The overall cost will depend largely on production expenses and the level of investment Google puts into research and development for this project.
A price in the range of the Oculus headset lineup (around $300-400) appears improbable. A more realistic expectation is a pricing tier similar to the Apple Vision Pro, commencing at $3,499. It seems reasonable to anticipate that the Google AR/VR headset will fall somewhere within these benchmarks, likely at a more budget-friendly price.
Google VR/AR headset specification
An article from the Verge is one of our limited semi-credible sources for deducing the technical specifications of the device. According to it, the Google AR/VR headset is likely to be powered by a proprietary Google processor (possibly a Tensor) and will also likely be running on a custom operating system, created by Google specifically for the device.
An article from a while ago asserts that one of the major features of Google's headset is going to be cloud streaming. According to the source, Google is reportedly looking into using cloud streaming to process AR content, helping to bypass technical challenges like limited processing power.
Plus, Google partnered with Magic Leap, an augmented reality company, likely to collaborate on its AR glasses, so we anticipate more details to emerge soon.
Google AR/VR headset comparisons
As mentioned earlier, the Apple Vision Pro, which was unveiled at WWDC 2023, is already available in the US. If Google does launch its own AR/VR headset, Apple is likely to be one of its biggest competitors in the market.
In addition to Apple’s device, there are already a number of established leaders in the AR/VR market with which Google will have to compete. Most notably, Google will have to compete with the Meta Quest Pro - previously known as Project Cambria - one of the most advanced mainstream VR headsets to date.
While there are other less prominent players in the AR/VR space, like offerings from HTC, the real giants Google needs to watch are Apple and Meta. These two tech powerhouses have a strong presence and ample resources, making them significant competitors in the AR/VR headset market.
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Tsveta, a passionate technology enthusiast and accomplished playwright, combines her love for mobile technologies and writing to explore and reveal the transformative power of tech. From being an early follower of PhoneArena to relying exclusively on her smartphone for photography, she embraces the immense capabilities of compact devices in our daily lives. With a Journalism degree and an explorative spirit, Tsveta not only provides expert insights into the world of gadgets and smartphones but also shares a unique perspective shaped by her diverse interests in travel, culture, and visual storytelling.
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