Jan 8, 2026

Meta Spatial Simulator: A Better Way to Build with Android for Meta Horizon OS

If you’re an Android developer looking to explore possibilities with Meta Horizon OS, the launch of Meta Spatial Simulator (Beta) makes it easier to get started with even less friction. Whether you want to port your existing Android apps, or build new ones from scratch, our brand-new simulator tool removes your biggest barrier to entry: testing your app on Meta Quest. In fact, you don’t need a headset to get started.

By eliminating the constant need to build, deploy, and test on a physical device, you can be more productive and make targeted, rapid iterations with fewer interruptions to your workflow. Here’s a quick look at what Spatial Simulator can do for you:

Test 2D panel apps instantly and see how your apps scale when they launch in a simulated Meta Quest headset environment.

Avoid the hassle of taking your headset on and off, battery issues, and physical boundaries.

Develop anywhere: at home, in meeting rooms, or on-the-go.

Save precious development time and remove workflow bottlenecks.

Optimize Your App for VR

Your first steps with Spatial Simulator are easy. You can start by bringing in your existing Java, Kotlin, React Native, or Flutter app, and Spatial Simulator will enable you to easily make UI adjustments, iterate, and quickly to optimize your app for Meta Quest devices. No previous VR experience? No problem, you can dive right into coding to see how your app would look in-headset.

Once you’ve gotten the hang of Spatial Simulator, you can add unique Horizon OS features to enhance your app and improve the user experience. Some of these features include:

Panel sizing: Control the size of your app panel when it launches in-headset.

Audio: Play background audio and an audio control bar.

Platform SDK: Integrate key platform capabilities like group presence, leaderboards, in-app purchases, inter-app interactions, and more.

All of these features can be tested directly in Spatial Simulator, all without a headset.

Designed to Fit Your Workflow

Spatial Simulator transforms your workflow by bringing Quest simulation directly into the Meta Horizon Android Studio Plugin. Built on a custom Android Virtual Device with Quest-specific optimizations, the simulator provides:

Instant iteration and testing: No hardware needed for 2D panel app development.

Familiar tools: Standard Android Studio debugging, profiling, and development workflows.

Input simulation: Use the mouse and keyboard to simulate interactions with panels (simulated Quest input events).

Get Started Today

To get started, just follow these three steps:

Open your project in Android Studio.

Install the latest Meta Horizon Android Studio Plugin and log in with your Meta Account.

Download Meta Spatial Simulator by clicking the download button in the “Virtual Devices” section in the plugin.

Meta Spatial Simulator fits neatly in your workflow within Android Studio.

For a full list of steps on getting started and additional context, check out the documentation. We can’t wait to hear what you think and see what you build with this game changing simulator tool.

Want more fresh developer news and updates? Check out our release notes, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, and follow us on X and Facebook. If you have feedback about Spatial Simulator, let us know by using the Feedback Tool in Meta Quest Developer Hub.

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