AR/VR Headset Market Rebounds, IDC Reports
Source: xrtoday.com
AR/VR Headset Market Sees Rebound
The International Data Corporation (IDC) has reported a significant rebound in AR/VR headset purchases. This follows a surge of interest in AR smart glasses. According to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly Augmented and Virtual Reality Headset Tracker, the AR/VR headset market grew 18.1% year over year during the latest quarter.
Market Leaders and Trends
Meta is leading the market rebound, capturing 50.8% of the market. According to Ramon T. Llamas, the worldwide AR/VR headset market is reaching a critical tipping point. Pure VR is expected to wind down in the next few years, while pure AR will hold a small place in the overall market. XREAL is the second-leading market player, driven by smart glasses sales. Viture experienced 268.4% year-over-year growth, while TCL achieved 91.6% growth.
Apple was absent from the market’s top rankings this quarter, with a noted shift towards optical-see-through glasses. Jitesh Ubrani notes that the market is shifting toward more immersive experiences, with brands like Viture and XREAL showing that form factor and user experience resonate with consumers. Growth will be driven by mixed and extended reality as AI and Android XR platforms mature.
IDC projects a 12% decline in AR/VR/MR device shipments in 2025 due to delayed product launches but expects roughly 87% growth in 2026. From 2025 to 2029, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 38.6%. Llamas anticipates MR to experience a strong reception with VR companies pivoting there and new entrants like Apple gaining traction. ER headsets will continue to gain traction primarily among gamers. Google’s Android XR can have an impact across both MR and ER.
Google’s AndroidXR initiative collaborates with XR industry players to develop mixed reality and augmented reality devices that integrate immersive technologies and AI. Shahram Izadi said that Android XR team collaborates with Samsung and Qualcomm to develop new Gemini AI use cases for emerging XR devices, including the Moohan headset. Apple showcased an updated framework for its Vision Pro mixed reality headset, visionOS 26, to enhance the device with spatial computing capabilities and AI integrations. VisionOS 26 will facilitate new ways to engage with workplace tools, such as Spatial Analogue, utilising the Logitech Muse and Dassault Systèmes’ 3DLive app. Mike Rockwell said that the company is excited for users to enjoy features like apps and widgets, spatial scenes, and enhanced Personas on Vision Pro.
The XR market is maturing, promising technology in the coming years. Events like Meta Connect will likely be grounds for resetting long-term visions of XR innovation.