Unity XR platform

Unity XR plugin framework

We have been working to improve our multi-platform offering, enabling direct integrations through a unified plugin framework. The resulting tech stack consists of an API that exposes common functionalities across our supported platforms in a frictionless way for creators while enabling XR hardware and software providers to develop their own Unity plugins. This architecture offers the following benefits:

• Multi-platform developer tools such as AR Foundation and the XR Interaction Toolkit 
• Faster partner updates from supported plugins via the Unity Package Manager 
• More platforms have access to an interface to leverage Unity’s XR rendering optimizations and developer tools

Unity has developed new XR plugins for our supported platforms as part of this shift. Additionally, we have deprecated our built-in platform implementations in 2019.3. 

This framework will influence how we support various types of platforms:

• Officially supported platforms
• Verified Solutions Partners
• Innovators

Officially supported platforms

“Build once, deploy anywhere” continues to be our core principle, and we work directly with our strategic partners to ensure that all creators are fully supported when developing for these platforms. This involves deep platform integration, improvements to our engine, and optimizations to our XR tech stack for the platform. As of 2019.3, Unity officially works with and supports: 

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

Other platform updates

• Gear VR is no longer supported in 2019.3 and beyond, as Oculus focuses on their current generation of hardware. 
• Google VR is no longer supported in 2019.3 and beyond due to Google ending sales of Daydream View and the launch of the Cardboard Open Source Project. 
• As part of our shift to the new plugin framework, Valve is using our XR SDK to develop their OpenVR Unity XR plugin for 2019.3 and beyond. They will share more information on where to access it once it is available. Until that plugin is available, built-in support of OpenVR will continue to be functional and available in 2019.3, and we will support our users with any critical fixes.

Note: Gear VR, Google VR, and OpenVR will remain supported in Unity 2018 LTS. 

Verified Solutions Partners

As we continue to see new entrants in the XR space, we want to make sure our framework enables better integrations for the whole ecosystem. We are excited to pair the Unity XR SDK with our Verified Solutions Partner program, which is designed to help third-party providers deliver direct value to their creators. The program offers various levels of support, including test verification and promotion of the plugin once released. Being a Verified Solutions Partner helps establish developer trust and improve adoption of your plugin. 
Learn more about the program and how you can join our network of Verified Solutions Partners. 

Innovators

Unity would not be the platform it is today without our community of creators and innovators. To enable our ecosystem without getting in the way of innovation, we’re excited to announce that users who want to experiment can now develop their own Unity plugins for our interface, though these solutions and partners are not supported directly by Unity. 
Sign up for access to the headers, documentation, and test suites of our XR SDK. 

Migration to XR plugins

As mentioned earlier, built-in XR support has been deprecated in 2019.3 and we recommend using our supported XR plugins.*
See the table below for our latest guidance on how to develop for each platform.

Platform	Recommendation
ARCore	AR developers using ARCore in their projects should continue using AR Foundation, and XR Management to load in the ARCore XR Plugin.
ARKit	AR developers using ARKit in their projects should continue using AR Foundation, and XR Management to load in the ARKit XR Plugin.
Magic Leap	Magic Leap developers should continue using AR Foundation, and XR Management to load in the Magic Leap XR Plugin. Developers will also need to download the Magic Leap Lumin SDK.
Microsoft HoloLens / Windows Mixed Reality	HoloLens developers using 2019.3 and later should continue using AR Foundation, and XR Management to load the Windows XR Plugin. Microsoft is also releasing a new version of their Mixed Reality Toolkit (MRTK 2.3) later this month to be compatible with the Windows XR Plugin in 2019.3 and later. Developers using Unity 2018 LTS to stay on a stable version can continue developing for HoloLens and Windows MR devices.  Note: Built-in support for Windows MR (Windows Mixed Reality) has been deprecated in 2019.3.*
Oculus	Oculus developers using 2019.3 and later should use XR Management to load the Oculus XR Plugin. Developers using Unity 2018 LTS to stay on a stable version can continue developing for Oculus devices.  Note: Built-in support for Oculus (Oculus Android & Oculus Desktop) has been deprecated in 2019.3.*
OpenVR	Valve is using our XR SDK to develop their OpenVR Unity XR plugin for 2019.3. They will share more information on where to access it once it is available. Until that plugin is available, built-in support of OpenVR will continue to be functional and available in 2019.3, and we will support our users with any critical fixes. OpenVR will remain supported in Unity 2018 LTS, and developers can continue using OpenVR in their existing projects.  Note: Built-in support for OpenVR (OpenVR (Desktop)) has been deprecated in 2019.3.*
Gear VR	Gear VR is no longer supported by the Oculus XR Plugin in 2019.3 and beyond.  Gear VR will remain supported in Unity 2018 LTS, and developers can continue developing for Gear VR in their existing projects.  Note: Built-in support for Gear VR (Oculus Android) has been deprecated in 2019.3.*
Google VR	Google VR is no longer supported in 2019.3 and beyond.  Cardboard developers using 2019.3 and later should stay tuned on the latest updates regarding a Cardboard Open Source XR Plugin for Unity, which can be found on the Google VR developer site. Google VR will remain supported in 2018 LTS, and developers can continue developing for Daydream and Cardboard in their existing projects.  Note: Built-in support for Google VR (Google VR Android & Google VR iOS) has been deprecated in 2019.3.*
Vuforia	Vuforia is no longer supported in 2019.3 and beyond.  Vuforia will remain supported in 2018 LTS, and developers can continue using Vuforia in their existing projects.

*Deprecation means built-in implementations are still available for use in the 2019 TECH stream and will remain in 2019 LTS. However, it is not guaranteed to remain functional as bugs and issues may not be prioritized. Additionally, the packages will be removed in future releases.