Purpose <p>This study examines students’ perceptions of XR MALL, an extended reality (XR)-enhanced and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered mobile application designed for public speaking training. The research aims to evaluate students’ attitudes towards its impact on learning outcomes and experiences.</p> Methods <p>A qualitative approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 20 undergraduate students enrolled in an English presentation course at a university in Hong Kong. Participants used XR MALL for 10 weeks, engaging in its key features, including VR presentation practice with AI feedback, AR vocabulary lists, and mobile learning modules. Thematic analysis was conducted to explore students’ experiences and perceptions.</p> Results <p>The findings revealed overwhelmingly positive perceptions of XR MALL, with students particularly valuing the immersive VR practice for its realistic simulation of speaking scenarios and its anxiety-reducing effects. The AI speech analyzer was appreciated for providing real-time personalized feedback on learners’ speaking performance, while AR vocabulary lists enhanced contextual learning. Mobile accessibility enabled convenient, flexible, self-paced practice. However, some participants reported physical discomfort during VR practice and encountered technical issues.</p> Conclusion <p>Supporting various learning theories, the study demonstrates XR MALL’s potential as an innovative and effective tool that combines XR, AI, and mobile technologies for public speaking education, particularly in addressing anxiety and providing authentic practice opportunities. While technical and ergonomic challenges remain, the findings suggest that these technologies can effectively enhance speaking skills training. Future development should focus on advancing additional functions and investigating long-term learning outcomes across diverse educational contexts.</p>