VR and AR headsets growth to soar, as smart glasses, AI features boost market, experts say

VR and AR headset makers are expected to ship over three times more devices in 2028 than this year, says research firm IDC

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A man tries out a Quest 3 virtual-reality headset at the Meta Platforms headquarters in Menlo Park, California. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:00am, 17 Sep 2024

Global shipments for augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) headsets are expected to grow 41.4 per cent in 2025, powered by more affordable devices and addition of artificial intelligence (AI) features, research firm IDC said on Monday.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

Worldwide shipments of AR and VR headsets fell 28.1 per cent year on year to 1.1 million units in the second quarter, due to elevated prices and a weak economy prompting customers to rein in expenses, IDC said.

The market is expected to expand to 22.9 million in 2028 from an estimated 6.7 million units this year, IDC said.

KEY QUOTES

“We’re seeing a slew of new start-ups and next-generation products from established brands targeting the ‘smart glasses’ space,” said Jitesh Ubrani, research manager, worldwide mobile device trackers at IDC.

“What’s different this time around is the inclusion of AI along with thinner and lighter designs catering to consumers.”

CONTEXT

In October last year, Facebook owner Meta Platforms launched its VR headsets called “smart glasses” made with EssilorLuxottica’s Ray-Ban. The company said in July the latest version was a bigger hit than expected.