We have seen Samsung introduce a new Gear VR headset with almost every new flagship Galaxy S and Galaxy Note flagship that it has released in the past couple of years. That’s because the changes in size and dimensions of the new devices meant that they couldn’t fit inside the existing headsets. That’s not the case with the Galaxy S9. Those who already own last year’s Gear VR headset will be able to use it with the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S9+ as well.
That’s because the Galaxy S9 and its larger sibling aren’t really that different in terms of design from the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8+. Both handsets not only look the same as their predecessors but also have almost similar dimensions.
This eliminates the need for Samsung to ship a new Gear VR headset with its new flagship smartphone. That’s why you didn’t hear Samsung talk about Gear VR during its Galaxy S9 launch event yesterday.
This also means that the Gear VR will likely not be offered as a pre-order incentive to Galaxy S9 customers. We’ve seen Samsung ship the Gear VR for free to pre-order customers over the past couple of years but it doesn’t need to do that anymore.
Just keep in mind that as long as you have the Gear VR with Controller headset that Samsung launched last year, you can use it for immersive virtual reality experiences powered by the Galaxy S9 and the Galaxy S9+.
Filed in . Read more about Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9 Plus, Gear VR, Samsung and Virtual Reality (VR).