Android XR vs. Meta vs. Apple: Enterprise XR

Enterprise XR Race: Android XR vs Meta vs Apple

The battle between Google, Meta, and Apple isn’t just about hardware; it's about ecosystems. Google is changing how companies use XR with an open ecosystem for devices, apps, and tools. The extended reality market is expected to reach $84.86 billion by 2029, and Google wants a large share with AI-integrated solutions.

XR Roadmaps

Google, Meta, and Apple are investing in extended reality. Google's Android XR is a flexible, open-source platform designed to lower the barrier to XR adoption. It works with the Android system and Google tools, like Gemini AI, and provides developer tools like Unity and Android Studio.
Google is partnering with Samsung on Project Moohan and Haean and supports HTC VIVE, Magic Leap, and Sony.

Meta has a lead in enterprise XR with Horizon OS, Meta Quest for Business, and various devices. It offers flexibility and easy-to-use platforms but lacks the reach of Android XR. Google has an advantage in developer tools, like camera passthrough APIs.

Apple is new to XR with one flagship device and the evolving VisionOS ecosystem, including enterprise APIs. However, Apple lags in AI and device options and remains a closed ecosystem.

Developer Support

Android XR lets developers build with tools like Android Studio, Kotlin, Jetpack, Unity, Unreal, and WebXR. It provides AI solutions and tools for spatial apps. Developers can design for Web-based AR, mobile apps, headsets, and smart glasses.

Meta has a developer stack with tools for Horizon OS, Unity, Unreal Engine, and toolkits. It offers passthrough access and supports OpenXR, but Horizon OS favors Meta's hardware and the Quest store.

Apple provides developer kits for the Apple Vision Pro with VisionOS features and tools like Reality Composer Pro and motion tracking. It supports Unity but keeps developers within its ecosystem.

Hardware

Meta has affordable headsets like the Meta Quest 3 and Quest 3S, and the Quest Pro, focusing on mixed reality. Google hasn't released an Android XR wearable but is working on Project Moohan and Haean smart glasses and is open to working with device vendors.

Android XR experiences are available on computers, smartphones, tablets, and kiosks, giving Google a wide hardware portfolio. Apple has one expensive headset, the Vision Pro, but is testing XR on iPhones.

Enterprise Focus

Google, Meta, and Apple have increased their focus on enterprise users. Apple's Vision Pro is designed for enterprise, with enterprise-grade APIs, but lacks a device management solution like Meta.

Meta offers enterprise-ready hardware, development tools, and Meta Quest for Business for device management. Google doesn't have a similar service for Android XR yet, but its compatibility with Android applications allows companies to use existing MDM tools.

Google's XR solutions are scalable, allowing companies to start with basic apps and expand into new hardware. Meta is more affordable than Apple, with headsets like the Quest 3 and platforms like Unity. Apple's Vision Pro is expensive, starting at $3,499.

Affordability

Android XR devices haven't been released, but Project Moohan is expected to be less expensive than the Vision Pro. Android XR's technologies are accessible and compatible with existing tools, reducing development expenses. Companies can access XR experiences on existing devices, avoiding hardware costs.

Meta has affordable headsets, software, and the Horizon OS app market. Apple offers visuals and spatial computing through the Vision Pro. Google offers an open, AI-powered ecosystem for enterprise scale. Android XR is ideal for flexibility, scalability, and customization.