XR

New to XR development? Start here.

XR is an umbrella term that includes the following types of applications:

• Virtual Reality (VR): The application simulates a completely different environment around the user.
• Mixed RealityMixed Reality (MR) combines its own virtual environment with the user’s real-world environment and allows them to interact with each other.
  See in Glossary (MR): The application combines its own environment with the user’s real-world environment and allows them to interact with each other.
• Augmented RealityAugmented Reality (AR) uses computer graphics or video composited on top of a live video feed to augment the view and create interaction with real and virtual objects. More info
  See in Glossary (AR): The application layers content over a digital view of the real world.

Supported platforms

Unity works closely with strategic partners to make sure that creators have all the support they need when developing content for Unity’s supported platforms. This involves deep platform integration, Unity engine improvements, and XR tech stack optimizations for each platform.

Unity supports these platforms for XR:

• ARKit
• ARCore
• Microsoft HoloLens
• Windows Mixed Reality
• Magic Leap
• Oculus
• OpenXR
• PlayStation VR

Unity does not support XR on WebGL.

Unity XR plug-in framework

Unity has developed a new plug-in framework called XR SDK that enables XR providers to integrate with the Unity engine and make full use of its features. This plug-in based approach improves Unity’s ability to make quick bug fixes, distribute SDK updates from platform partners, and to support new XR devices and runtimes without having to modify the core engine. To learn more about:

• How to upgrade to the new framework, see the Configuring your Unity Project for XR page.
• How the new framework functions, see the XR plug-in framework page.

AR development in Unity

The AR overview page details how to get started with creating an AR application, lists the packages you need to download, and offers related links to additional documentation. Unity recommends downloading the AR Template from the Unity Hub to create your application for Unity’s supported handheld and wearable AR devices.

VR development in Unity

The VR overview page details how to get started creating a VRVirtual Reality More info
See in Glossary application, lists the packages you need to download, and offers related links to additional documentation. To start, Unity recommends downloading the VR Template from the Unity Hub to create your application for Unity’s supported VR devices.

API usage examples

Thie AR Foundation Samples GitHub repository contains examples of how to use Unity’s AR Foundation APIs.

Additional Unity resources

• AR/VR Tutorials on Unity Learn
• Unity AR/VR Forums
• XR Platform System Requirements
• Glossary of XR-specific terms
• Rendering for AR/VR