“Design has the power to connect ideas with people and turn them into meaningful experiences,” said Mauro Porcini, President and Chief Design Officer of the Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “At Samsung, we will continue to deepen our understanding of people, uncover new possibilities in everyday moments, and create experiences that enrich lives and shape a better future.”

IDEA is one of the world’s most prestigious design award programs and was founded by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) in 1980. This year, the organization selected winners across 20 categories, including Home, Consumer Technology, and Digital Interaction. Key evaluation criteria include Design Innovation, Benefit to User, Benefit to Society, and more.

Meanwhile, the Red Dot Design Award is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier design honors. Established in 1955 and organized by German organization Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen, it recognizes excellence across three categories: Product Design, Design Concept, and Brands & Communication Design. Specifically, Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design recognizes and celebrates creative approaches that shape how brands communicate and connect with people.

Samsung was recognized by these organizations for expanding its design excellence beyond products to encompass services, brand experiences, and forward-looking design concepts.

IDEA 2026: 45 Honors, Including One Impact Award

Samsung’s Accessibility Design for Home Appliances received the inaugural Impact Award at IDEA 2026. Introduced this year, the award is presented as an additional honor to select winning designs that demonstrate strong sustainability and social impact.

Accessibility Design for Home Appliances considers the diverse needs of users with visual, hearing, mobility, and cognitive differences, helping everyone use home appliances like washers and refrigerators more easily and conveniently. Key features include Easy Mode, which simplifies complex functions and provides larger on-screen text and voice guidance, and Auto Open Door, which allows users with limited physical strength to open appliance doors with a gentle touch or voice command.

Accessibility settings configured on a mobile device can also be carried over to connected home appliances. Voice ID recognizes individual users and automatically applies their personalized settings, as well, allowing multiple users to enjoy a convenient appliance experience tailored to their individual needs and preferences.

Nine Samsung designs were honored with Bronze awards at IDEA 2026 for their innovation in premium appliances, branding, and sustainable design. These honorees include:

• Infinite AI Air Purifier: a premium air purifier featuring soft curved lines and a pop-up clean booster that elegantly integrates into any space.

• Micro RGB Brand Identity: visually expresses the superior picture quality and immersive display experience of Micro RGB technology.

• Portable SSD T7 Resurrected: a premium portable storage device with an enclosure crafted entirely from recycled aluminum.

• Samsung Mobile Origami Package: an advanced smartphone packaging concept that applies origami folding techniques using a single sheet of recycled paper.

• AI Design Companion (AIDC): an AI-based advanced design solution that leverages AI, digital twins and virtual simulation to rapidly validate and verify product wearability performance and usability.

Samsung also had 35 designs honored as IDEA 2026 Finalists.

Red Dot Award 2026: 12 Awards, Including Best of the Best for Galaxy’s Privacy Display

Notable among Samsung’s 12 winning designs in the Brands & Communication Design category at the Red Dot Design Award 2026 was Galaxy Privacy Display, which won the Best of the Best award.

Introduced on Galaxy S26 Ultra as the mobile industry’s first built-in privacy-protecting display, Privacy Display is designed to protect personal information in everyday situations such as public transit, cafés, and shared environments. Users can customize when the feature activates — such as when entering PINs, patterns, and passwords, or opening selected apps — and adjust privacy levels depending on the situation. By allowing the screen to remain clearly visible from the front while limiting visibility from surrounding angles, Privacy Display offers a more seamless and intuitive way to protect privacy.

Samsung also won 11 awards in the Red Dot Award 2026 Brands & Communication Design category for innovations that enhance the user’s quality of life through more personalized experiences. Key award-winning projects include:

• The Movingstyle Visual Branding: expresses the freedom and versatility of a portable screen through a distinctive visual identity.

• Vision AI Companion: provides a personalized experience by combining real-time viewing context with user preferences.

• Design is an Act of Love: an immersive exhibition at Milan Design Week 2026 that offered a glimpse into Samsung’s evolving design vision and explored how design can shape everyday life and new ways of living. 

• Galaxy XR Package: designed with an internal structure that allows it to be repurposed as a long-term storage and display solution.

• Samsung b.IoT Digital Twin: recreates real-world buildings as 3D models in a virtual environment and maximizes operational efficiency by visualizing the status of building systems in real time.
  

On June 2, Samsung and Abbott partnered with the Korean Red Cross to conduct Korea’s first XR-powered blood donation campaign at Samsung Digital City in Suwon. In the campaign held in recognition of World Blood Donor Day, Samsung employees experienced immersive meditation content while donating blood, with Korean Red Cross personnel on-site throughout the event.

Following the XR-powered blood donation campaign in Korea, Samsung and Abbott are preparing to expand the program through upcoming activations at major global events in the United States and Malaysia. These efforts aim to bring the Galaxy XR donation experience to more donors, healthcare professionals and blood bank stakeholders around the world.

Enhancing the Blood Donation Experience

After putting on Galaxy XR, donors enter a calming, Zen garden-inspired environment. Using only gaze-based interaction — no controllers, no hand gestures — they plant virtual flower seeds simply by looking at them. Over three to five minutes, flowers and trees bloom around them as music created in collaboration with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra plays in the background.

“As the boundary between the physical and digital worlds continues to blur, blood donation no longer has to be a stressful experience,” said James Pak, VP of the Global Mobile B2B Team at Samsung Electronics. “Through this initiative, we hope to demonstrate how Galaxy XR can extend beyond entertainment and productivity to create lasting social value.”

“Samsung Galaxy XR, powered by Android XR, represents a significant advancement for our mixed reality blood donation program,” said Miguel Carrazza of the Transfusion Medicine division at Abbott. “It is well-suited for healthcare settings, allowing medical staff to monitor donors more easily while helping them stay naturally engaged. Through our partnership with Samsung, Abbott is seeking opportunities to further expand the overall blood donation experience.”

Expanding Access to XR-Powered Donation

Since 2016, Abbott and Red Cross organizations have conducted blood donation campaigns in nearly 30 countries. Building on that foundation, Samsung and Abbott have introduced Galaxy XR into donation settings across multiple countries, with momentum growing ahead of major upcoming events.

“I try to donate blood at least once a year, but it can feel a little boring since you have to sit still,” said Geunwoo Park of the Networks Business at Samsung Electronics, who donated during the campaign. “Using Galaxy XR made it more enjoyable because there was something engaging to watch.”

“It was a unique experience to try Galaxy XR while donating blood,” said Gangsu Kim of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics, making his 20th blood donation. “I found the interactive content especially fascinating because it responded to where I was looking.”

Looking Ahead

The initiative continues to scale. At Augmented World Expo (AWE) in Long Beach, California, running June 15–18, Samsung and Abbott will host a four-day blood drive, bringing the Galaxy XR donation experience to thousands of attendees from across the XR ecosystem. Later in June, the initiative will be showcased at the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where more than 100 blood bank decision-makers from around the world will have the opportunity to share the use cases.

Through these engagements, Samsung and Abbott are working to expand access to XR-powered donation experiences for donors, healthcare professionals and blood bank organizations worldwide.

Samsung Electronics today announced a key software update for Galaxy XR, adding enterprise-ready capabilities throughAndroid Enterpriseand improving everyday user experiences with several usability upgrades. With this latest firmware release, Android XR will now receive regular software updates, including security patches, for up to five years[1]— underscoring Samsung and its partners commitment to long-term performance, security and innovation on theXR platform launched in October 2025.

Advancing XR With Android Enterprise Support

Starting from Galaxy XR, Android XR now supports Android Enterprise, extending the trusted management framework used across millions of Android devices into immersive environments. This update brings enterprise-grade control and efficiency to Galaxy XR, creating a scalable foundation for real-world deployments across industries including training, manufacturing, healthcare and retail. WithSamsung Knoxon Android Enterprise, it also guarantees strict device security. Features include:

• Support for fully managed and dedicated device use cases, giving organizations greater control of Galaxy XR devices in corporate owned deployments.
• Device enrollment methods including Android zero-touch, QR code setup and Device Policy Controller (DPC) identifier provisioning, simplifying large-scale rollouts from day one.
• Enterprise app management usingManaged Google Playand support for direct installation, making it easy to deploy and update XR applications.
• Core device management features including setting password policies, network configurations, device restrictions and remote lock or wipe, which help devices remain protected in any environment.
• Hardware-level protections to meet relevant compliance and security standards on safeguarding sensitive enterprise data.

“Our vision for XR extends beyond hardware — it’s about building a secure, scalable ecosystem informed by our users,” said James Choi, EVP and Head of XR R&D Team, Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “With Android Enterprise support and ongoing platform upgrades, Galaxy XR demonstrates how real-world use cases across work, discovery and play influence our direction.”

“The expansion of Android Enterprise to Android XR brings the trusted security and management framework IT professionals rely on for millions of Android devices to the new era of spatial computing, starting with Samsung Galaxy XR,” said David Still, VP in charge of Product & Engineering, Android Enterprise at Google. “This standardized foundation is what organizations need to confidently secure and scale XR deployments.”

New Enhancements for Everyday Users

Alongside new enterprise capabilities, the latest Android XR update brings thoughtful improvements to everyday experiences — enhancing comfort, preserving workflow continuity, expanding accessibility and unlocking more immersive ways to view content. Features include:

• Enhanced virtual keyboard positioning to let users save alternate keyboard positions at their chosen vertical position and depth for a more personalized experience.
• Desktop session restore which automatically reopens up to three previously used apps in their original layout after rebooting, helping users seamlessly jump back into work or entertainment.
• Expanded accessibility features like single eye tracking[2]and pointer customization, making Galaxy XR more inclusive and adaptable for a wider range of users with varying sight or mobility needs.
• Wall panel alignment,[3]an on-screen guide that makes it easier to accurately line up content within a user’s space, smoothly integrating the screen into physical surroundings.
• Auto Spatialization,[4]now available in Google Chrome and YouTube, effortlessly converts 2D content into immersive 3D photos and videos.

Availability

The software update for Galaxy XR users will roll out starting from today. For more information about Galaxy XR, please visit:Samsung Global NewsroomorSamsung.com.

[1] Counted from the first market launch of Galaxy XR in Oct 2025. 

[2] Glasses and prescription contacts may impact the precision of eye tracking. For best results, purchase lens inserts (sold separately). 

[3] Supported via Labs feature from Galaxy XR settings. Not supported on horizontal or tilted surfaces, available only on vertical surfaces. The flat area of the surface should be at least as large as the panel itself. The surface should be opaque. Attaching panels to windows or mirrors is not supported. The area in front of the wall should be visible. 

[4] Supported via Labs feature from Galaxy XR settings. 

“With Galaxy XR, Samsung is introducing a brand-new ecosystem of mobile devices,” said Won-Joon Choi, Chief Operating Officer of Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Built on Android XR, Galaxy XR expands the vision for mobile AI into a new frontier of immersive and meaningful possibilities, allowing XR to move from concept to everyday reality, for both the industry and users.”

“Android XR is the first Android platform built entirely for the Gemini era, and we are incredibly excited to take a significant leap forward today with the launch of Galaxy XR”, said Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem at Google. “Through our partnership with Samsung, Android XR will unlock entirely new ways to explore, connect and create, building an open, unified platform for the next evolution of computing.”

“Galaxy XR embodies our vision for the future, where the synergy of AI and XR transforms the possibilities of personal computing,” said Alex Katouzian, Group GM of Mobile, Compute & XR at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. “We’re thrilled to be collaborating on this initiative, as Galaxy XR will help to bring new use cases across various industries and pave the way for exciting multi-device experiences, all enabled by our work with Samsung and Google.

Designed to Unlock the Full Power of Multimodal AI

Galaxy XR is unlocking new possibilities with multimodal AI, transforming how people connect with the world through technology in their daily lives.

To bring Samsung, Google and Qualcomm’s vision for AI to life, Galaxy XR is the first product built on the new Android XR platform, which has Gemini embedded right from the start. With Gemini integrated at the system level, Galaxy XR doesn’t feel like a tool following users’ commands but a new type of AI companion that helps them manage their tasks, delivering natural and intuitive interactions through voice, vision and gesture. In the form of a headset, it understands users’ surroundings by seeing what they see and hearing what they hear. This allows Galaxy XR to respond in conversational ways that feel natural and human, giving users entirely new ways of interacting with technology.

Open Collaboration Brings a Scalable Android XR Ecosystem

As part of a long-term vision for XR, Samsung has built a new XR ecosystem in partnership with Google and Qualcomm, opening new possibilities for the industry.

Co-developed with Google and Qualcomm, Android XR is a powerful platform that puts AI at the center of the experience. It is designed to scale across a variety of form factors, from headsets to AI glasses and beyond, and Galaxy XR benefits from the strength of its open, scalable ecosystem. All apps built on the Android platform work out of the box[1] on Galaxy XR, ensuring users can enjoy familiar mobile experiences they already love and making the device as useful day-to-day as it is groundbreaking. Since the platform is built on OpenXR standards, it’s easy for developers using OpenXR, WebXR or Unity to bring their experiences to Galaxy XR — offering them more ways to scale and giving consumers more choices.

Discover, Work and Play Without Boundaries

Galaxy XR has been carefully engineered with a human-centric design to deliver long-term comfort. Through a combination of its shape, advanced materials and the structural optimization of each component, Galaxy XR achieves an optimal balance between lightweight design and robustness for daily use. The headset’s ergonomically balanced frame distributes pressure across the forehead and the back of the head, minimizing facial discomfort while providing steady support. The battery pack is separate from the headset, making the device more compact, light and comfortable to wear. Galaxy XR also features a detachable light shield, offering comfort when removed and deeper immersion by blocking external light when attached. These thoughtful innovations allow Galaxy XR users to fully engage in XR experiences with ease.

Galaxy XR opens entirely new dimensions of discovery, providing a wide array of experiences optimized for XR such as Google Maps, YouTube, Circle to Search and Google Photos.

• Travel and search with Google Maps: Users can use Gemini as a guide to navigate to any place on Google Maps and ask for personalized suggestions about nearby places while exploring the world in immersive 3D maps.
• Deep-dive into content with AI: Users can naturally ask Gemini to find content they want to see in YouTube and get more information about the video they are watching, unlocking richer learning and entertainment experiences.
• See more with video pass through and Circle to Search[2]: In pass through mode, users can see the physical world around them and draw a circle with their hand to instantly search for information about anything in front of them.
• Auto-spatialize videos and photos into 3D[3]: Bring photos and videos to life by converting 2D images into 3D, turning memories into immersive experiences or reimagining them in entirely new ways.

Thanks to its advanced sensors, cameras, and powerful hardware, Galaxy XR can precisely track users’ head, hand and eye movement and make these experiences truly immersive. The device’s microphones are strategically placed and supported by software to filter out external noises and capture the wearer’s voice clearly. Through Galaxy XR, users can explore both virtual and real worlds in XR-specialized apps using natural physical interaction, with assistance from Gemini.

Galaxy XR also opens new levels of immersion in entertainment[4] — including sports and gaming — with its powerful hardware and superior performance.

• Immersive viewing experiences: Users can stream their favorite shows on a 4K Micro-OLED screen that feels like a personal theater.
• Sports experiences: Sports fans can watch multiple games at the same time, feeling as if they are right in the stadium.
• AI-enhanced gaming experiences: While playing XR-specialized games, users can chat with Gemini for real-time coaching, tips and enhanced gameplay experiences.
• Create and edit in 3D: Project Pulsar from Adobe makes cinematic video edits easy—users can add 3D depth, and layer captions or icons behind subjects on a larger-than-life canvas.

Powered by Snapdragon® XR2+ Gen 2, Galaxy XR delivers next generation immersive experiences with visual clarity and advanced AI through the Qualcomm® Hexagon NPU[5]. Plus, 2.5 hours of battery usage time[6] enables users to enjoy their favorite content in total, uninterrupted immersion. Combined with its immersive sound and ultra-high-resolution displays, Galaxy XR places users at the center of extended worlds optimized for XR.

Samsung is also committed to meeting a wide range of use cases for enterprise needs such as virtual training in heavy industry and construction, including a partnership with Samsung Heavy Industries to utilize Galaxy XR for virtual shipbuilding training for work productivity and safety. We also partnered with Qualcomm Technologies to utilize their efforts with Snapdragon Spaces technology to tap into an Enterprise ISV ecosystem, giving developers the tools to bring their applications to Galaxy XR and create new opportunities for the enterprise world to adopt business solutions optimized for Android XR. Together, these collaborations bring enterprise-ready XR capabilities that enable advanced training, co-design of solutions and secure remote collaboration.

As part of its broader XR roadmap, Samsung is developing multiple form factors, including AI glasses. In collaboration with Google, Samsung is working with pioneering lifestyle brand Warby Parker, known for leveraging technology to create beautifully-designed eyewear and deliver exceptional customer experiences. At the ame time, Samsung is also partnering with Gentle Monster to bring stylish, fashion-forward eyewear that blends cutting-edge AI-native technology with cultural influence and design leadership. Seamlessly connected to the Android XR ecosystem, these devices will pair advanced XR capabilities with style, comfort and practicality, bringing boundary-free discovery, work and play into daily life.

Availability

Galaxy XR will be available starting October 21 USA / October 22 Korea.[7] For more information, please visit: Samsung Newsroom, SamsungMobilePress.com or Samsung.com.

Specifications

[1] Some apps may require download from the Google Play Store and may require subscription or payment. App availability and features may vary by country and languages.

[2] Circle to Search is a trademark of Google LLC. Results for illustrative purposes only. Available on select devices and internet connection required. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Result may vary depending on visual matches. Check responses for accuracy.

[3] Requires a compatible Android XR headset (sold separately). Quality and availability of spatialization may vary based on original media. Subject to usage limits.

[4] Some apps may require download from the Google Play Store and may require subscription or payment. App availability and features may vary by country and languages.

[5] Actual performance will depend on user environment, conditions and pre-installed software and applications.

[6] Video playback tested in a virtual environment using 2D video content from YouTube. Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, and many other factors.

[7] This product is not available in Malaysia.